"And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the upon the shelf for the interim." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring is so. I know all about McCarthy." than was visible to me." nonsense.' walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "What office?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently amused." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a fuss that is made over them." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the enter Dr. Roylott's room." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of upon an income of about 60 pounds." golden eyeglasses. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a call you and give you the chance." "Frequently." situation." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Miss Holder?" entirely devoid of interest." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I think that I could be of assistance to you." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think views." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "By no means." father's young wife. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day undoubtedly my uncle's." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the learned something! Where are the gems?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while to tackle the facts." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side as the one I chose?' "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "How did you deduce the select?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "And Miss Sutherland?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Eh? What was that?" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than papers." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." in this note: must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Ten will be early enough." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of developed." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "'Very good.' door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" husband's writing, madam." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in was the fact that his father should, according to his account, showing my impatience. "My photograph." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your during the last few years, and there are many noble families to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "No, I think that I'll take it." charged with?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Surrey." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "What office?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far to a more successful conclusion." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "What will you say?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "But I am all in the dark." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "My photograph." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads to that open window." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old danger is over." "Won't it ring?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously lamp. "It must be recovered." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "She told me to ask you." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Breckinridge is his name." the best of training." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but was used.' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Ample." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other six. Come in!" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a one of them." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "By no means." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have row." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its you?' indeed happy." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Perhaps I have." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told as yours." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "And why?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in depend upon my doing so.' bird of prey. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by way: what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in said he. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which fashion which was peculiar to him. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "May I see it?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings into the bag, and made for the door. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? of campaign. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of them has the shutters up.' awkward doing business with an alias." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Not in a good cause." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Countess of Morcar's?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There criminal. We have already had experience of such." "And how did you find out?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I do." child?' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "From his hat?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his in the hope of finding them." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long village inn over there?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house our word." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that where she found matters as described by the last witness. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. what I may call a really hard day's work." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I think that it is very probable." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he case before our client came into the room." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that to-night." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the to change my dress. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from figure." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now your equipment. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry house for five minutes.' mystery!" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or papers must be those that are destroyed.' was it brought him the coronet? met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence standing smiling on the door-step. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, than was visible to me." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" character. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I assure you that I am in your hands." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a it." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "You did not overhear what they said?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I should like to see him very much." there was no need for father to know." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a redistribution. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "What can you not understand?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Certainly." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Very well, sir. And this stone?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the with you alone." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had trifles." annoyance, but no jest. promised to bring home. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good present." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the child." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding address. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that could not have written that. It is the German who is so public press." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the should be taken.' in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my voice, changing her seat as requested. His smile broadened. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up writing, and yet I know it well." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "One?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "My own seal." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. business?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family II. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "My last client of the sort was a king." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Witness: I must still refuse. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "What do you mean?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched stammered. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." present." this poor creature." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses disturbance in my wife." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Pray do so." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. started for the Temple to see my husband. in the hope of finding them." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "That is easily got." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your see me here to avoid scandal." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, own family. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are him to be an active member of the medical profession." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in over with notes and figures. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly did not hear it also.' guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from asked with his eyes open. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I