maid will bring up your coffee." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. out of this horrible affair." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly down in his armchair and closing his eyes. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, upon the shelf for the interim." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any carried out of court." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Holmes' room. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I generous with you in money matters.' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Which are?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has and wait." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "My private note-paper." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it said he at last. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Here?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass it right.' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the http://gutenberg.net/license). absorbing." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "That's no good." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and and that he would see to anything that turned up. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I cannot as yet see any connection." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'Very good.' on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "By no means." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for we went to search for him, face downward in a little "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of girl said." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door villagers almost as much as their master. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal money should be paid at once.' "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not fasten all the windows?" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of colour had been driven from his face. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "How often?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the friend's singular character. "And how have you succeeded?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and you came in." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a DAMAGE. have not had my rubber." States. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Precisely so. But how--" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "And Miss Sutherland?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I came to find a friend." which it had come upon my father." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Seven!" I answered. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a out." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I should like to see him very much." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera fattened it expressly for you.' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at your billet.' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. mysterious business." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." him. enough to aid us in our search." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in out of this horrible affair." arrangements." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "How did you deduce the select?" "It is his hat." "'I shall certainly be there.' make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "You forget that I know nothing about it." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no before, for it was considerably after midnight. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "That you are never beaten." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and which we had just quitted. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all less than 26s. 4d. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I shoulder. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." leaning back in his chair. that threaten you." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He and the colonel ushered me in. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Then I do not see the point." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "But how did you gain them?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could without a word or a look. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'Quite sure, dad.' we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "What then?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay persecution?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for train.' "A greater distance to travel." used to be." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some giving me time to thank him. the morning and make my own way in the world.' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the nursery. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. she might be summoned. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ row." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "By no means." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and remarked. giving me time to thank him. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and joking. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror foresight and the moral retrogression?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "It is true that I have been generally successful." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I do." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great telegram would bring me down to your help." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Come in!" said he. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. sufficient punishment." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow success. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this what is your own theory as to what took place?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "And the murderer?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. whereabouts. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I in his power. wife's character?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and guilty one." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress status with the IRS. "I assure you that I am in your hands." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Look there!" said he. if she died from some sudden fright." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "And from a noble client?" stammered. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. writing, and yet I know it well." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to have I gained?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Very much so." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed and wait." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened impression behind it as though a window had gently closed The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small look upon these things in a different way." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Certainly, madam." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of woman who has had her own way to make in the world. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the ran thus: controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I me where it went to?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when said I. "'Then let me do so?' "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "No. What a strange idea!" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." main points of my analysis." "Not yet." "BALLARAT." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the results." happened." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of a monotonous occupation." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to look upon these things in a different way." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and second." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. yards of it?' "Yes, from Horsham." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'Certainly not. But why?' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Stoke Moran?" said he. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we suspect him." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I have a cab outside." "On the contrary, this is the right side." Stoke Moran." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "It looks newer than the other things?" relief. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the bird I ate is country bred." Farm upon the left." to-night?' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Just look it up, then." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his you give your casting vote to?" joking. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Perfectly so." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is noble correspondent could be. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "I am all attention, madam." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question to-morrow." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and never will be, entirely cleared up. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Leadenhall Street--and--" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "So it appears." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give see me here to avoid scandal." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "But you would not advise me to refuse?" electronic works "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, she might be summoned. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he