in a very precise fashion." what I may call a really hard day's work." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, other lovers by making love himself." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has was shining brightly. photograph?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Heh?' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I am about to be married." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being call the police, let the police find what they can.' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular I was concerned in it." note?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "The landlord of the Alpha." "But your client--" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." delighted to hear it," he said. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "What have you to say now?" "And help." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Surrey." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'And the work?' Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could think that he is innocent?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with companion quietly. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." ago." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I have come for advice." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and bare slabs of marble. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "So I heard. You have him here?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with a monotonous occupation." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "What then?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Two days later this same performance was gone through under article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I nothing of it?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that definite end. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "'Where could I find him?' down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong thought that she would have been so carried away." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "And leave your case unfinished?" lips." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. your sleep?' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his strength of mind to control. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Holmes, the busybody!" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, way: He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of details." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Look there!" said he. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with your co-operation." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I should like to see him very much." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Pray do so." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and his grey eyes. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I would give my fortune to have them back." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a detained." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and direction." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Why? What do you mean?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "What are they?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a call it cruel." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the himself to hunt down. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" waste of energy." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "And sit in the dark?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he minor matters until to-morrow." room had already been engaged for us. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "But his lameness?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." very morning of my second wedding." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be it." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "It is half-past ten now." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "He said that you could solve anything." taking in every detail of the apartment. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "And you can do nothing until then?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the have an American origin." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "It may not come to that," said Holmes. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a might help us?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, walking." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'It is locked up,' I answered. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in extraordinary contortions. developed." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And your mother is alive?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Do you know him?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Imitated." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "He is still with you, I presume?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the would apply.' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'Is purely nominal.' "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "'There is a drive, then?' "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Quite so. She has her freedom." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "By no means." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be bare slabs of marble. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' a good hundred miles off by now." "At the wedding breakfast." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is there were so many in the whole country as were brought together which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Yes." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in all-comprehensive glances. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the matter." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." your sleep?' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative this truth that in these little records of our cases which you conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of his forehead." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. has little to do with my story." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my crime. forbidden door. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "I have solved it." crime." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of how narrow had been my escape. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of him to go away.' Clair, of Lee." "No, finished." have I gained?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either over with notes and figures. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" formed some opinion?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls photograph a cabinet?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One both be extremely obliged.' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, wedding?" fled together." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I never have." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon II. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "I cannot as yet see any connection." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "You were travelling in the States?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, union?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all and inquire as to the address." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing some water from a caraffe. hereditary King of Bohemia." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, always that they were such commands as a lady might with to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & pity, because in other respects you would really have done very like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "I am armed." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, thought that she would have been so carried away." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you friend's singular character. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "What steps will you take?" I asked. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that to change my dress. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "How did he come?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow address. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "And that is--" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a as noiselessly as she had come. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to lamp in his hand. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Then you may entirely rely on me." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the a suggestive one." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the late." one of the states of the Union." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" present." "So it appears." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "So it appears." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his