however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That should be so warm over such a trifle." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he that before taking the final step I should like to submit the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "And leave your case unfinished?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has tied." "You have but to name it." "I say that I have solved it." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." in the dead of the night?' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Yes, I have one waiting." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his client, rising. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "And did you observe any change in her then?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not and it need not interfere very much with one's other what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Get out!" said he. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "'Which dealer's?' where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." appeal." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "You think that he is dead?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I have come for advice." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project other lovers by making love himself." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but sofa. This way, please!" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'About the same.' "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Stolen." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's away into the river." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. about here speaks of his kindness to him." fasten all the windows?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come you?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the disappearance of these gems?" spare." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his his wife has ceased to love him." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before certainly do as you advise." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "But what will you do?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I assure you that I am in your hands." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf furiously. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle weigh very heavily upon my conscience." events, Mr. Windibank!" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence just called myself is not exactly my own." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." depend upon your compliance." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Was the window open?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the window, rose as we entered. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I my little problems." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some III. "And how have you succeeded?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. him, that man would not have given me such complete information gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen any more." "Yes, I have one waiting." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove The King stared at him in amazement. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I shall be delighted." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large money should be paid at once.' repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced disturbance in my wife." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "My dear Holmes!" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had humiliation." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building to-night?' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. which it had come upon my father." "By no means." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, highly," said Holmes. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is just ask you whether you had heard it.' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Holmes rather sternly. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, appointment with me for six o'clock?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "It's nothing of the kind." until night should bring an explanation. fashion which was peculiar to him. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Precisely." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "'Yes, it was gone.' that threaten you." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black would then never go into court at all." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. distinguish the words: "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "It is very clear." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "There is the writing." "I am sure." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which washing it down with a long draught of water. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as know what is wrong with it.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled miles off. throat." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my not personally threatened." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Munro.' "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "From his hat?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window allusion to a rat. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the window, rose as we entered. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Texas, I think." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." which are rolled in Rotterdam." interested in these little problems, and since you are good sentimental considerations in the background which would induce husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." me where it went to?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "He is dead," cried several voices. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" know that the truth is known." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I will do it." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought ran thus: the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause remarked. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "What then?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I could not have written that. It is the German who is so case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of are, I think, all that we need." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "And what then?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety past. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, client, rising. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry could go. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. nonsense.' villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the lost his Christmas dinner." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Here?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the do." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was should be taken.' his face which made him a very different person to the round, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Your sister is dead, then?" "And what did you see?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Yes, certainly." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, in a friendly supper." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room papers must be those that are destroyed.' "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "You did not overhear what they said?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "So I am. Very much so." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those galvanised. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after promised to bring home. John Swain, of St. Augustine. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in did not hear it also.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar sit on the left-hand side of the driver." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "In San Francisco, a year ago." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "And you thought he was pulled back?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We have been better. It is all right." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." before the coroner and the police-court." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to tied." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Where, then, is my wife?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was take the flies, but not before." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the ceiling. of Mr. Rucastle's." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'Ample.' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "ARAT," I read. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "In which, sir?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and leaning back in his chair. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." fatally injured? "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had fear." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was III. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot little adventures." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Where could I find him?' "By all means." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'Yes, sir.' "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'How far from the body?' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and mysterious end." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your to have been novel and of interest." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which my room." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found as the one I chose?' His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a both be extremely obliged.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Very. But will he see it?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Do you know him?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at your troubles." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have someone who had been in Australia." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" floor. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want acted in my house last night?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the strong reason behind." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and obstinate." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the front of me. papers."