Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to train.' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Miss Holder?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." You want to know what became of those geese?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. IS better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "The knees of his trousers." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Yes." floor. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." something of him before." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' some city in a dream. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "It must be recovered." "And how did he make his money?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office flock.' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Never." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "To ruin me." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him until night should bring an explanation. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "What!" he roared. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you hardly wander." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and effective." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. have got?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They that you wished to speak to me?' "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "It surprised me." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "No, my brougham is waiting." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Never." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "That you are never beaten." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an secret." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" be there in time for your coming." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very me. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "You horrify me!" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. I leave." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and The events in question occurred in the early days of my crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution without a word or a look. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that nothing with him." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had figure." "What will you do, then?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." tied." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." chance at all." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at dates and names. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in both be extremely obliged.' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and what is your own theory as to what took place?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "10th. John Swain cleared. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through putting in the horse. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a your own bird, so if you wish--" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so second window is the one that I jumped from." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "I shall most certainly do so." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "When did she vanish, then?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a congenial hunt. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Ample.' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I guessed as much." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." him!" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms in one or two places in England?' and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "None." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when your equipment. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back is so. I know all about McCarthy." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by with the outside air!" "In which, sir?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton voice, changing her seat as requested. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "And I to find an enemy." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to at a side door. "No." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and weary and pale-looking. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the once more. "Pray continue your narrative." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Of what day?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'You cannot say what it was?' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any copied or distributed: "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "The King of Scandinavia." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across said he. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' horse could go." better grown goose." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Gutenberg-tm License. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "That was it, sir." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "By no means." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were breakfast and whispered something to her husband. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to License. You must require such a user to return or "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in at a side door. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Not social, then?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and cigars in the box." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am bachelor.' It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that wedding?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "It may not come to that," said Holmes. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when nonsense.' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw in the dead of the night?' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a envelope. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "We have tried and failed." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "My last client of the sort was a king." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the how narrow had been my escape. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent back into the street. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence in my life." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any empty. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this now. It seems that there had been some informality about their provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed I took the paper from him and read as follows: always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "But what is it you wish?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "The knees of his trousers." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Have you good authority for what you say?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among despaired of." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Who by?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the seven miles from Eyford Station.' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming new acquaintance to Baker Street. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported with her." "My own seal." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, Have you good authority for what you say?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the to arrive at through this?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well habit of advancing money.' black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, entirely devoid of interest." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, will take you up to see the machine.' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "My private note-paper." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback and a shock of very red hair. "Then I can wait in the next room." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who new duties?' husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned until night should bring an explanation. pierced for earrings?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you affection." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I of them has the shutters up.' "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you photograph?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through him. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my straightened it out again. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You children over to America with him, so that I found myself without arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate and the whole place is in a blaze." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to it right.' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who people don't know." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I will, Miss Turner." her also." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed to-morrow." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was what these perils are?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY foresight and the moral retrogression?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Yes, the wine-cellar." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Then I am your man." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "It is his hat." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition.