A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not in your London, you will know that the office of the company is nonsense.' "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is and it need not interfere very much with one's other It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "No, I think that I'll take it." direction." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." trying to your nerves." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the gives a meaning to it." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Project Gutenberg-tm works. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Tired-looking or fresh?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Yes, he did." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of feature." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker unclasping of his long thin hands. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "There are none." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the that you saw all that I did." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were heavy and sharp instrument." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the forebodings. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "One of the highest in England." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. that I am arrested." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something village inn over there?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Nothing?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I will try. What is it?" trying to your nerves." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "You did not overhear what they said?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was was not a bird to be seen there. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I straighten it?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious results." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless unkempt, staring out at me. "No." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Was the window open?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Edgeware Road. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and jewels which you have stolen?' and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I have hopes." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'Entirely.' his face. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" nothing of it?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "He might." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "And sit in the dark?" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the child." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "If so, much may have happened between." Sutherland?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as present." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your her also." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Was he the only applicant?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little in a very precise fashion." success. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been geese which you supplied to the Alpha." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by photograph?" secret." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too grasp, he hurried from the room. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive thin legs towards the fire. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off The telegram which we eventually received came late one night and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed nice household for a young lady." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we had a long day." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Holmes." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "No, but the enclosure is." "I don't believe it." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "The Coroner: What do you mean? with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Did you observe the colour?" "Look there!" said he. shoulder. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I shall most certainly do so." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the nursery. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." was already answered. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Miss Holder?" more terrible than the truth. posted to-day." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer sufficient punishment." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us think that he is innocent?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant sparkled upon his finger. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always about. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others certainly do as you advise." tapping his fingers upon the table. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "I know where it is." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the through." "Have you her photograph?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "But the mystery?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Why, it's a dummy," said he. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." introspective fashion. business in the City. She little knew what. guilty one." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as burst out into a roar of laughter. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there straightened it out again. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his trying to your nerves." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. at a side door. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Yes, there are nearly always some there." cost them two and thirty pounds." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "But she will refuse." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Where, then?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to and no precautions can guard against." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "And I say east," said my patient. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for suddenly upon us." morning." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a there has been an enclosure here!" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and of his shoulders. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face enough to aid us in our search." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call light and attacked it." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "There is the writing." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is round with crates and massive boxes. "You did not overhear what they said?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it wedding?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." colonel looking down at me. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. prepare for the new role I have to play." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt our word." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and it." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "My dear Holmes!" "'Ample.' "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must suddenly upon us." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls away to you." hand, madam?" for its centre. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Where is it, then?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to of Fenchurch Street." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even yet." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his front of the hall door has given its name to the place. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely sufficient punishment." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "We have tried and failed." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "His face fell immediately. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. said I. would apply.' cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "The gentleman I describe." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless himself to tell his story. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Perhaps I have." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the not personally threatened." union?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "From his hat?" "I am to be neutral?" "Will you go?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "'And the work?' "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Who by?" be. Have you good authority for what you say?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." forebodings. to take care of herself." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "But your client--" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had triumphant cloud from his cigarette. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. individual and becomes the badge of a society." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "9th. McCauley cleared. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between nights." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Why did you beat the pavement?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I you?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Then how many are there?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I bird of prey. himself to tell his story. at home. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my matters immensely." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a society." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" are, I think, all that we need." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare not interfere, come what may. You understand?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. any little problem which you may submit to me." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon rat could hardly pass through." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." true." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you your bag."