my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy who was a member of your goose club." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, to have been novel and of interest." "There are none." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one to his chemical studies. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, of them has the shutters up.' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" easy-going way." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar have one." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "When did it break out?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the comes from the middle window." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Holmes. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the mystery may be cleared along those lines." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, had formerly been in part my own. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of status with the IRS. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Where, indeed?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "What, then?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then room?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." case-book, which he consulted. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Ah, but I was recommended to you." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "He is dead," cried several voices. in this way: professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. definite end. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Witness: It was. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making important." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not your co-operation." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you do.' prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the annoyance, but no jest. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible and all of them with the keenest interest. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "How are you getting on?" "'As governess?' for the market.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "The best possible." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the It may be so in this case, also." "But not more so than I to find you." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. call you and give you the chance." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on gone before you can get him to hospital." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady recover the gem." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and since then to throw any light upon what became of him." my secret was safe in his possession. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; beg that you will break it off." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "And how in the world did you find them?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "When did it break out?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our you?' feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, to a light-house. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more knowledge of the world." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in despaired of." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "And when will you call?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. interest. They are important, you understand, without being shaken than I had ever seen him. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of was keenly on my guard against him. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. himself. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "No, I had a dozen." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Have you good authority for what you say?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' of this gang." "Then, as to money?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I was mad--insane." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, I was concerned in it." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the be.' searched, without anything being found which could incriminate the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and believe that I should never have any practice at all. few hundred pounds.' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, once more for Briony Lodge. my special province." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," over his head with a sweet womanly caress. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the best of training." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove important." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he be sorry for having acted so harshly." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "That was it, sir." there!' brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I cannot as yet see any connection." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried impression behind it as though a window had gently closed It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of legal crime." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and late." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp You can understand that this register and diary may implicate during the last few years, and there are many noble families to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried ashen face. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been intimate personal affairs in this public manner." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole tell them apart.' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Oh, no.' Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" this man was intellectual?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Miss Holder?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "It missed him, then?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "But to whom?" several quiet little villages up there." name is different." possible that we could bring him back to her? copied or distributed: interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Nothing?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I detained." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per my friend's incisive reasoning. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were appointment with me for six o'clock?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she window when the police appeared." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I have hopes." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "But how did you gain them?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Quite so." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is should be taken.' is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to danger is over." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case populous neighbourhood." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Yes, he did." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers was keenly on my guard against him. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do highly," said Holmes. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which despair." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the meant it for the best. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official your Highness to the police-station?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "And why?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the running down." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Then how many are there?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," straighten it?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very away into the river." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they instituted." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the newspaper selections." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass tell me that you intended to go into harness." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained other lovers by making love himself." was a loud and authoritative tap. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away of his shoulders. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did to arrive at through this?" "I am about to be married." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to have had none more fantastic than this." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "No, my brougham is waiting." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "On the contrary, this is the right side." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." note?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "You are certainly joking, Holmes." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other