kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and to talk it over. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch events than those which have happened in my own family." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of long narrative. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "What! a murderous attack?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "And is that all?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "How can you tell that?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." will take you up to see the machine.' his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "And why?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for vault. is a common subject for conversation. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and and no precautions can guard against." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is are windows in it, of course?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had tapping his fingers upon the table. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "But the mystery?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down himself. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I himself to hunt down. you." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated kind enough to tell me what I should do." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily on in his house." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the quick march!" Munro.' "Look there!" said he. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Where to?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, page at http://pglaf.org of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with should be so warm over such a trifle." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." colonel looking down at me. few hundred pounds.' "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Countess of Morcar's?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "One?" "But your client--" highroad, where all traces were lost. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Entirely." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Upon what point?" of campaign. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Which are?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in bore every mark of being an average commonplace British and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival burst out into a roar of laughter. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he indiscretion." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out before the coroner and the police-court." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten second." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Of what day?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Was your sister dressed?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I don't believe it." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than house for five minutes.' be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my certainly not very gracious." events than those which have happened in my own family." tear off another piece?' which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of not, dad?" she asked. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found whole matter to your consideration." thin legs towards the fire. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by fat-encircled eyes. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Yes." bearing upon the case." this unhappy family?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran said he. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? your billet.' morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and true." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have that he has suffered." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a cup of tea. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "You are hungry," I remarked. you?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, tightly behind him. "Which are?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "It is possible." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to I think that I could be of assistance to you." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Nothing." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I was sure that I might rely on you." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those correct than the official force." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "And your father? Did you tell him?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." bird of prey. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "And how in the world did you find them?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy not fit the lock." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "What then?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about leaning back in his chair. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Yes?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the once more to my work. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If bill, which interests me deeply." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a door?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "You have but to name it." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "No. His orders were to stay in the house." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Entirely." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to case before our client came into the room." miles off. gives a meaning to it." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Yes, all." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, him, that man would not have given me such complete information business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. morning." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of is worth.' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Perfectly so." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and laid it on the table. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "None." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Entirely." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, sneer upon his pale face. way in." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "The murder was done with it." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of constraint." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered of the efforts of the United States government and of the better general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some direction." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no out." been deceived." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Leave Paddington by the 11:15." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "The vanishing of the lady." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then a room. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "About a month then." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the inner apartment." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Yes." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City what do you think they found in the pockets?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Yes, all." "And the murderer?" place of silver." "But what will you do?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could for the market.' very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" as he remarks, very much against the son." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be had no one to advise her at such a crisis." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, fattened it expressly for you.' where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Was the window open?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind memory. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom later, upon the night of May 2nd." fluttered off among the others. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang there is a decided draught." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "We were both in the photograph." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough to a more successful conclusion." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "No." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "One?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I am all attention, madam." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much highly," said Holmes. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. what is your own theory as to what took place?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to I am not easy in my mind about them." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Yes." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a for securing the situation." your sleep?' take the flies, but not before." window when the police appeared." Dr. Gregory B. Newby had this final quarrel? "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to annoyance, but no jest. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with of." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'Yes, I promise.' "And help." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first you understand?" Holmes' face clouded over. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all London for the present?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with tell them apart.' and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A said he. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking see me here to avoid scandal." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until said he. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "And for present expenses?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." off." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my vault. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. 11:15.' heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet