formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as night.' said he. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was lips." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it happened." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may which was all perfectly true. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. learned something! Where are the gems?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of which I could not give. He asked for Alice. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the developed." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I have solved it." to-night?' the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that towards the blaze. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all information in his hands the value of which he did not himself a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must to-night's adventure." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life so far?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Come in!" said Holmes. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "You have carte blanche." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "About a month then." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Married! When?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask weary and pale-looking. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Sutherland. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss yards of it?' salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still open." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes made him keep the appointment." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "One of the highest in England." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "ARAT," I read. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." trifles." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in to-morrow." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me least a fellow-countryman. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "That is not always so easy." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works acted in my house last night?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Always." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her God! What an exposure! What can I do?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, was feeling which was the fattest.' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I answered with a sidelong glance. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. extraordinary contortions. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Heh?' found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Never." "Of what?" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'Quite sure, dad.' to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one coroner's jury." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me your Highness to the police-station?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "But I have heard all that you have heard." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have child?' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my few hundred pounds.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place bill, which interests me deeply." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was charged with?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Well." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit DISSOLVED. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the point in the dark hollow of his hand. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Look there!" said he. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "The decline of his fortunes, then?" to miss it." chambers. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips points to suicide?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the iron safe, which he closed upon it. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, interested in these little problems, and since you are good about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Holmes." look dissatisfied." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the was keenly on my guard against him. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood upon an income of about 60 pounds." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Watson," he said cordially. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I chemical work which was so dear to him. companion. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Clair, of Lee." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the salesman. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "You don't mind breaking the law?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the loss of it. entirely devoid of interest." "His face fell immediately. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a was not a bird to be seen there. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both get the tickets." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which companion quietly. behind me. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Your sister is dead, then?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Did you observe the colour?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Yes." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I his eyes and forehead. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a of your young ladies.' might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "It is true that I have been generally successful." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been correct than the official force." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Miss Holder?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and lips." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Yes." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" go from here to the Strand." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain train from Paddington which would bring you there at about of the efforts of the United States government and of the better self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted appointment with me for six o'clock?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! so far?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being companion quietly. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "This photograph!" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by habit of advancing money.' "From his hat?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known away to you." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make business." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "And your mother is alive?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I will, Miss Turner." "And who is her maid?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I was used.' "It is solved." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose already referred to. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the populous neighbourhood." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all strength." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the plantation.' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut at a side door. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored heavily into it. you came in." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who in. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'Yes.' At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the best of training." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging derbies." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and meant it for the best. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed it." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "How did you deduce the select?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed way in everything. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect highroad, where all traces were lost. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric License. You must require such a user to return or spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you one which it was hard to resist. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "On Monday." "No more words. Get out!" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and it." closing the door. which our visitor detailed to us. His smile broadened. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, unprecedented a position." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "But what will you do?" "Certainly." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "But to whom?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is carpenter." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It photograph?" results." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Holmes' face clouded over. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "We have tried and failed." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my trying to your nerves." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the