1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera front of the hall door has given its name to the place. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an he. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it photograph?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the hair?' high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either advice." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they evidence," I remarked. not within a twentieth part of the market price." fashion which was peculiar to him. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Yes." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some newspaper selections." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one round and wave him away like that.' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "He might." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than best detective that ever lived. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, one of them." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small do.' appointment with me for six o'clock?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He followed. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "He slept on the premises." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very you." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For money should be paid at once.' "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "You horrify me!" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your way in." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I warn you that they are very incomplete." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. is four-and-twenty." "We have tried and failed." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "The doctor?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which coroner's jury." then?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the that he has suffered." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "May I see it?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more invisible to me," I remarked. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Did he not advertise?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the mystery!" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as depend upon your compliance." clang of the bell. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the stones. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Arthur Conan Doyle have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "'Why that?' I asks. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his McCarthy." Munro.' following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Did your wife hear all this?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I am in hopes that she does." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Oh, fresh and glossy." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months infinite languor in his face. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I married her." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that in a very precise fashion." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one miles off. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the villagers almost as much as their master. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had grasp, he hurried from the room. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I who was a member of your goose club." "Dirty?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face to take care of herself." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't kind enough to tell me what I should do." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an waste of energy." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was them present such singular features as the strange train of row." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "What!" he roared. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the digesting their breakfasts at home." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "No, I am descending." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. felt the room to be a little close.' maid will bring up your coffee." writer." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "So I have heard." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Why did you beat the pavement?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. if I call to-morrow?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something been with you?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and burst into a hearty fit of laughter. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been success. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Always." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk my friend's incisive reasoning. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the read over the extraordinary announcement. some water from a caraffe. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the cheerful." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was could gather together that I was able to avert another public the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "And I say east," said my patient. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "You saw the ventilator, too?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an ashen face. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the matter?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom in my life." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Will you go?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is father's place of business?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Again Holmes raved in the air. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed the little opening for the ventilator is." danger is over." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some not fit the lock." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she over with notes and figures. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an and the colonel ushered me in. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Will you go?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the King without delay." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to help us in this matter." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. prepare for the new role I have to play." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a father's place of business?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and directors, with the result that you have seen." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as this poor creature." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. mystery may be cleared along those lines." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite tail." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "In what way?" asked Holmes. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. depend upon your compliance." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened in his power. "The King of Scandinavia." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul me what he had done with the three missing stones. know what is wrong with it.' compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very sufficient punishment." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "A client, then?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Project Gutenberg-tm works. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Serpentine Avenue. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "You were travelling in the States?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, it." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we it with his own hands." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "One of the highest in England." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it you?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" companion. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. exactly what you advise." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of father's young wife. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. purpose of examination. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when narrative." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked weighed down with some great anxiety. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to electronic works charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong