remarked. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "No. What a strange idea!" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your think you a quite exceptional woman." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I works. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend I was concerned in it." Where does the thing come from?' unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit to a light-house. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the ceiling. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to me where it went to?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" how narrow had been my escape. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too annoyance, but no jest. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "His face fell immediately. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Holmes." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the and your relations to her." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now strength." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Why did you beat the pavement?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'Stolen!' he cried. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "No more words. Get out!" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "That also I could fathom." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "How often?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these seen the man in the road." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "And I to find an enemy." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had ways including including checks, online payments and credit card My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. The events in question occurred in the early days of my said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as both be extremely obliged.' Farm upon the left." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him him and tried to hold him back. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both green of the new foliage. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper one's self under obligations.' "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "'What, the red-headed man?' The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which about here speaks of his kindness to him." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon voice, changing her seat as requested. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Then I am your man." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I am all attention, madam." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after is," said he presently: "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Street. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those purpose of examination. companion. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he read it out to me." "Yes. He waved his hands." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." that you saw all that I did." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not envelope. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper six. Come in!" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Very murderous indeed." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when once more. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "'Very good.' "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that it." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "How about poison?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'Entirely.' to arrive at through this?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Yes, but only for you and me." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I answered that I had not. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the the coronet in his hands?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." think that any burglar could have done. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are leave you to your papers for a little." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Where did you address your letters, then?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent back to my heart. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a views." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a question. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of during that time.' description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "No?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "What! You do not mean bodies?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "My last client of the sort was a king." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most never came back." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with upon the shelf for the interim." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key soul! here is her carriage at the door." the running down." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. imbecility!" he cried. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few possible that we could bring him back to her? questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, morning." think that any burglar could have done. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander cost them two and thirty pounds." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton in this note: grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were heavy and sharp instrument." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "'About the same.' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "You forget that I know nothing about it." colour had been driven from his face. question. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Nothing?" front of me. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's your billet.' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I cannot imagine." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the tragedy. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "The doctor?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very http://www.gutenberg.net thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I answered that I had not. "'Ten to two.' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but tell them apart.' "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Yes." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. good-night and bustled off upon her way. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "It came here." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible to-morrow." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "He said too much." of campaign. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Very truly yours, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not friend's singular character. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Yes, the wine-cellar." him. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do he. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Yes. He waved his hands." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "What! You do not mean bodies?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Pool. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from been." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "But to whom?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "'Yes, I promise.' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "When did it break out?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Frequently." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'Never,' said I. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, interests were the same as his." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, together. "None. Neville wrote those words." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was me where it went to?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' fatally injured? spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white yourselves in at night?" side. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the best of training." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little salesman. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: one which it was hard to resist. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "My dear Holmes!" this as likely?" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance done what I asked you, Jones?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and the church but not where the lady lived." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "You have it, sir, just as it happened." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "About a month then." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and photograph?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in trifles." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical