"Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I never have." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'Yes, sir.' A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own eavesdroppers?' to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "And from a noble client?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Her father is very rich?" business." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most only touch the interest." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They back to my heart. power." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. I was concerned in it." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious do.' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "The best possible." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in upon the shelf for the interim." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his and the whole place is in a blaze." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, tapping his fingers upon the table. with frightened eyes at his accuser. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, or other trace. But how on earth--" before, for it was considerably after midnight. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "You heard nothing yourself last night?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Pray continue your narrative." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands I. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Arthur Conan Doyle "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there or in danger--" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "How about poison?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was keenly on my guard against him. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. stood on the top of it. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, and the colonel ushered me in. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the own family. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Yes, that is the Crown." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his an introduction to him?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "He is dead," cried several voices. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Of what day?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the fled together." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is villagers almost as much as their master. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered other means.' In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits father's place of business?" disappearance of the bride.'" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "And what did you see?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, walking." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can enter into my head. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "The knees of his trousers." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, at my remark. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" or other trace. But how on earth--" morning." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Eyford at 11:15.' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Yes, the wine-cellar." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "It missed him, then?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "No legal papers or certificates?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. key of the affair now." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "That is possible." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Seven!" I answered. "But who is he?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an memory. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of to surprise her." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There most interesting one." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "My photograph." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "I know where it is." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and off." next day. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and are, and they are waiting for us." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Did you observe the colour?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and cigar and let me expound." would then never go into court at all." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at I. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, undoubtedly my uncle's." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the depend upon my doing so.' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "No more words. Get out!" the little opening for the ventilator is." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this a few minutes he said that it would be all right. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his purpose equally well?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by drawing your inferences." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal once more. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we intimate personal affairs in this public manner." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I am following you closely," I answered. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "It came here." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual someone who had been in Australia." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in you?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, any." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that very old mansion. outbreak?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert key of the affair now." young Openshaw's." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." details." was a loud and authoritative tap. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "None. Neville wrote those words." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, see a sister of mine apply for." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Miss Holder?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Won't it ring?" neither fascinating nor artistic." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black late." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "But you can know nothing of this?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with been lifted and conveyed somewhere." bedroom door." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "How did you deduce the select?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Farm upon the left." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the stones. arrested. You then--" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon spark where all is dark to me." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Were they all fastened this morning?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an hereditary King of Bohemia." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." spare." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'In my own bureau.' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he present." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated woven round him. fluttered off among the others. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'Certainly not. But why?' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as light and attacked it." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Leadenhall Street--and--" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred least a most suspicious remark." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Perhaps I have." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of spare." in him." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed disappearance of these gems?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a your own bird, so if you wish--" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some seven miles from Eyford Station.' which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a investigation." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high colour had been driven from his face. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, of the one which your family is now devouring." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." that you can jump it.' you?' "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "The gentleman I describe." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my shall use the carriage to-night." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "No, I am descending." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two most interesting one." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the coronet in his hand?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Very murderous indeed." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Not in the least." "And for present expenses?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with a room. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and them, and came down just as you departed. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Ten will be early enough." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Yes?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have name is different." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step indeed happy." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Precisely." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who wedding?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, ready to-morrow?' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the ceiling. the window, rose as we entered. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have to surprise her." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at keep the flames under. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Never to return." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible call it cruel."