unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The them, and came down just as you departed. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to his knees, staring into the fire. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Oh, the cause is excellent!" again on its way. your troubles." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical her also." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson The police have openly confessed that they can at present make us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "But to whom?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "It is to him that this trophy belongs." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that them, and came down just as you departed. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. one of them." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I highroad, where all traces were lost. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but several quiet little villages up there." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, ashen face. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "But not more so than I to find you." "Precisely." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows she might be summoned. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable families. Now for the facts. "Perhaps we may make them less so." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are possible that we could bring him back to her? two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or would apply.' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the colonel looking down at me. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the morning." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I these bleak autumnal evenings." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such bare slabs of marble. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all some mystery and the punishment of some crime." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Entirely." knowledge of the world." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle a monotonous occupation." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "And did you observe any change in her then?" one which it was hard to resist. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "What I expected to see." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." that I am arrested." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I there in twenty minutes." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the which was all perfectly true. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "I shall most certainly do so." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and derbies." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "No, I think that I'll take it." amused." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple better grown goose." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the investigation." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Witness: I must still refuse. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Where does the thing come from?' intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of words came to my lips. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "One of the highest in England." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock I was concerned in it." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. beyond words. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; in this way: to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were you give your casting vote to?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I and your relations to her." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and that the gas is not laid on in his house?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "It is solved." questionable one." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third London for the present?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Ample." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to lids now and glanced across at his visitor. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "So I am. Very much so." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the http://gutenberg.net/license). before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich dead, shall be safe with us." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is your Highness to the police-station?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "'Yes, sir.' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then we went to search for him, face downward in a little gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a if she died from some sudden fright." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "What will you do, then?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could companion imperturbably. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Indeed! Whose, then?" "How are you getting on?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or strode off upon his way. me." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the general public were present, then?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the nothing with him." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a companion. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in hands. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I shall most certainly do so." and glanced through. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper affair. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "What office?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup interests were the same as his." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever crime. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Holmes. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, leaning back in his chair. "Witness: Nothing definite. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be status with the IRS. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' annoyance, but no jest. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. you understand?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his trifles." "Certainly." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets you, my dear young lady?' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Where, then, is my wife?" "And how did you verify them?" you in your example." the inner apartment." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you London for the present?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some of." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you During two years I have had three consultations and one small attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "But to whom?" you." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched generous with you in money matters.' Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "That is easily got." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a purpose of examination. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan than to us. the so-precious time, but come!' adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "'What do you call purely nominal?' made his money." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" again." works. See paragraph 1.E below. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" to surprise her." exactly what you advise." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I habit of advancing money.' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Yes." over part of the map. "What do you read?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." too. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That look upon these things in a different way." "'What then?' I asked. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What congratulate you again." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to October 9, 1890. "And for present expenses?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Do you know him?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must This is what he says: know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed several quiet little villages up there." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "What! You do not mean bodies?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "No." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "That is it on the dressing-table." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, for its centre. "An accident, I presume?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. less than 26s. 4d. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It