"I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "And for present expenses?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "No." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in way: "An enemy?" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that fattened it expressly for you.' "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly kind enough to tell me what I should do." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there and looked back. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Not I." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Very much so." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is could go. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few here." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "None." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the think that any burglar could have done. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the directors, with the result that you have seen." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "And you don't know his address?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have never to learn it at all." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat to Leatherhead. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "But what is it you wish?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my outside." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "How are you getting on?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I remarked. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Was there a secret marriage?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "What then?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. if only as a check to my own memory." "What can it mean?" I gasped. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Quite so. She has her freedom." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "But he might be a bachelor." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of never came back." Holmes' thin, eager face. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "So it appears." bird I ate is country bred." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "She walked into the breakfast-room." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "It looks newer than the other things?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my introspective fashion. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'Oh, no.' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled prepare for the new role I have to play." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the roots. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Could he throw no light?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Cross for the Continent." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Indeed! Whose, then?" Foundation Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "It is possible." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to clang of the bell. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the salesman. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get case-book, which he consulted. "I know where it is." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of national property. I was determined that the law should have its deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and formed some opinion?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and capable of preserving a secret.' the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than matter." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Precisely." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, gbnewby@pglaf.org to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "I have come for advice." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "'It is locked up,' I answered. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'What, the red-headed man?' and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "You have compromised yourself seriously." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of occupations.' something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. writers could invent nothing more crude." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "She told me to ask you." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and handed it to him. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and bill, which interests me deeply." invisible to me," I remarked. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "But how will you look?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible you want, then?' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime returned to France?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though without success. At last the little money which I had saved began homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "'What, the red-headed man?' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of his cane at the bell-pull. to-night?' back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened which our visitor detailed to us. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" get the tickets." whether it answered to the description of any of their His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." just called myself is not exactly my own." your Highness to the police-station?" tear off another piece?' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Why serious?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "So it appears." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, enter into my head. of a light. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and digesting their breakfasts at home." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the my room." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Certainly." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A what I may call a really hard day's work." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Eh? What was that?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "What, then, did Peterson do?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, bears upon the case?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Nothing?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I James Windibank. Voilà tout!" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "But you can know nothing of this?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Dr. Gregory B. Newby "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "'I have heard so.' "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, like that before?" the window, rose as we entered. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small neither fascinating nor artistic." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "That is it on the dressing-table." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "ARAT," I read. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any she to prove their authenticity?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how it." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a get her out of the way." Sutherland?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, of Fenchurch Street." "Witness: It was. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "What! Had he lost his wife?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have which should have the effect of calling the attention of the to arrive at through this?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very bearing upon the case." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any place of silver." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Yes, only one." the tragedy. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand you came in." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "But not more so than I to find you." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Ah!" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" so far?" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "That also I could fathom." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my gone. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own him to go away.' inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had approach us with offers to donate. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "I have my revolver," said I. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am which it had come upon my father." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were what these perils are?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" dates and names. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Yes?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried strange features which were associated with the two crimes which He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first see me here to avoid scandal." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband ways including including checks, online payments and credit card dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," were wasted." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Not in a good cause." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker of campaign. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and forebodings. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at simple cases which are so extremely difficult." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "You are hungry," I remarked. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss even so self-evident a thing as that." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. look dissatisfied." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and our word." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a advice." voice. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the husband's writing, madam." "No, but the enclosure is." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." himself to tell his story. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through