think that any burglar could have done. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a he bowed and left the room without another word. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Countess of Morcar's?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, interests were the same as his." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I would give my fortune to have them back." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of chair. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed footfalls from the street. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time where she found matters as described by the last witness. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir mysterious business." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "And help." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the obstinate." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can of Fenchurch Street." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "And it is--" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "By no means." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything off." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the bled considerably." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was man. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless matter." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of take the flies, but not before." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it I am not easy in my mind about them." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her the roots. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "No. What a strange idea!" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means south, for the country is more deserted there." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and not as remarkable as your advertisement." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' fattened it expressly for you.' be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." His smile broadened. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to like gravel from a pit.' copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of undoubtedly my uncle's." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is presented more singular features than that which was associated himself. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have redistribution. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'No, I know no one in these parts.' can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on carriage. It was a chestnut." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Here?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & been shamefully used." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil fait accompli?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have during that time.' Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all I am not easy in my mind about them." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the laugh and put his lips to my ear. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "And I." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, writing, and yet I know it well." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices garden below. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "What have you to say now?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "On the contrary, this is the right side." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "How on earth--" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the date of his supposed suicide." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love that you can jump it.' business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the tied." "What is it, then--a fire?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this have got?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "But what will you do?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in you for a few hours?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never again on its way. may never be exposed to such a temptation." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at and inquire as to the address." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "He said too much." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the back into the street. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what again." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "10th. John Swain cleared. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the page at http://pglaf.org address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little heavy and sharp instrument." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to begun to whiten, even as mine has." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Was he the only applicant?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest everything which you would wish to know." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, extraordinary contortions. think that he is innocent?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the devil!" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this murdered man." "You have a clue?" "No legal papers or certificates?" DISSOLVED. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching humiliation." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. evidence," I remarked. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just trifles." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "It is very clear." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Not in a good cause." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so allusion to a rat. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but over here." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Pray do so." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "But your client--" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. opportunities to fix the problem. sofa. This way, please!" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I future lives." foot. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered have had none more fantastic than this." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided whether it answered to the description of any of their absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may to tackle the facts." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was unclasping of his long thin hands. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the dangers which encompass me." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the bottom.' however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "And why in hopes?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Won't it ring?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "None." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact little adventures." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting dear old homesteads?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions existence." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing affair. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a foot. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest night.' said he. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. congratulate you again." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a know what is wrong with it.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror The King stared at him in amazement. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his formed some opinion?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his assist you in forming an opinion." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" "In heaven's name, what for?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to help us in this matter." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "And Miss Sutherland?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope developed." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Very much so." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Holmes." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Then he might have called to you?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "None." "'Yes, sir.' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The better in every way that they should make their position a little Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile promised to bring home. "Is he quiet?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." out of this horrible affair." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the down. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "And what then?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a wife's character?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. never to learn it at all." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as confronted him. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a national property. I was determined that the law should have its hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and ways including including checks, online payments and credit card possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but derbies." strong and stiff." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "It is half-past ten now." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with was already answered. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face unprofitable." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." London for the present?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through speckled band?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had throat." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through back to my heart. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, miles off.