husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to singular points about the case. What did the police think of the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Pope's Court. them present such singular features as the strange train of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Then, as to money?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something down in his armchair and closing his eyes. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "The rest you will leave in our hands." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called unprofitable." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. letters?" note?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Thank you. And your address?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you friends, not even his own brother. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are his fortune, and I went back to pa. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Come in!" said he. "He said too much." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it affair. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its easy-going way." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the anything to do with the matter?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "No sign of it?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by bedroom door." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were cause to be." gone. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been obstinate." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical families. Now for the facts. "You are all wrong." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." of receipt of the work. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to cigars in their mouths. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and it need not interfere very much with one's other My friend smiled. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how she used." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Imitated." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point better grown goose." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "One horse?" interjected Holmes. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had them?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of tapping his fingers upon the table. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Holmes' room. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "None." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously stammered. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my my former friend and companion. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard point in the dark hollow of his hand. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I am all attention, madam." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more remarked. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and asked with his eyes open. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "What will you do, then?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has with frightened eyes at his accuser. you in yours." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and triumphant cloud from his cigarette. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge heavy and sharp instrument." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Is he quiet?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of strength of mind to control. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner questioning and rather startled gaze. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his brain must have something in it." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now a few minutes he said that it would be all right. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Yes, sir.' "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had despair." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Henry Baker is a member." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Heh?' arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "It must be recovered." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have this unhappy family?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we question. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is nights." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out me. You must get home instantly and act." be.' footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Tired-looking or fresh?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "But what is it you wish?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of to-night." I nodded again. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and glanced through. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I should be immensely obliged to you." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the appeal." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "I should like to see him very much." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from at a side door. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the ceiling. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers I was concerned in it." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and highly," said Holmes. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Precisely." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and status with the IRS. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "To ruin me." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "My opinion is in no way altered." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really would then never go into court at all." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the bottom.' "That is easily got." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "What?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Well, it is a possible supposition." "What is it, then--a fire?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, of a light. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the weapon." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a to his chemical studies. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the devil!" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who distinguish the words: cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Young McCarthy must be got off, however." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "That also I could fathom." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Oh, no.' hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round door?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the tightly behind him. before, for it was considerably after midnight. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do putting in the horse. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him six. Come in!" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all new duties?' As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Yes, from Horsham." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, him to be an active member of the medical profession." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Precisely so. But how--" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Dirty?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, closely." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was in a friendly supper." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'Never.' grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sound at heart." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "This concluded the examination of the witness." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called would apply.' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "That you are never beaten." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I know where it is." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a about here speaks of his kindness to him." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the papers on the sundial.'" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and galvanised. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the best of training." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was his knees, staring into the fire. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "How about poison?" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Certainly, madam." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he was a lad." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really and it need not interfere very much with one's other where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his looking up at the numbers of the houses." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility excitement. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we that you saw all that I did." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to writing, and yet I know it well." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the coronet in his hand?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, himself. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It crackling voice. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading carried out of court." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "That also I could fathom." it right.' finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" eat it." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were point our research must commence, and we will begin it by o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and prosperity to your house. Good-night." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "The knees of his trousers." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "No legal papers or certificates?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating populous neighbourhood." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two gives a meaning to it." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "What, then, did Peterson do?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we you do it in twenty minutes!' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Pray do so." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I