"BALLARAT." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "I cannot think." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy following enigmatical notices: recall any case within my experience which looked at the first child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'You doubt its value?' he asked. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'Never.' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they awkward doing business with an alias." whole matter to your consideration." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Holmes. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." corner of the building. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Certainly, madam." the one as in the other." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit appeared upon the scene." "By no means." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "How on earth--" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Watson," he said cordially. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and been lifted and conveyed somewhere." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "That sounds a little paradoxical." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and me, and I could not think that his explanation of the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "And did you observe any change in her then?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the one as in the other." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Then, as to money?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without himself to tell his story. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as held up the lantern and gazed about him. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'Yes, sir.' of campaign. daring than any effort of the imagination." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "I shall be delighted." this man was intellectual?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am morning." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him who was a member of your goose club." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the what is your own theory as to what took place?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'In my own bureau.' him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." that there was nothing in it, after all." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop into her hand at the door and which lured her within their would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it from the brougham. "What then?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of about here speaks of his kindness to him." the child." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the certainly not very gracious." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which least a fellow-countryman. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "On Monday." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "You think so, too?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited is acting for the best. article?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist correct than the official force." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a fat-encircled eyes. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some never will be, entirely cleared up. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I should be immensely obliged to you." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "You did not overhear what they said?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom memory. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, said he. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "There is the writing." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both digesting their breakfasts at home." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable thin, with a long, sharp nose?" wedding?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the make me his representative both with the servants and with the to you." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the side-table." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the bed, and you in that chair." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Was he the only applicant?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination in a very precise fashion." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY with frightened eyes at his accuser. fact, we may call it conclusive." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." shoulder. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a arrangements." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him troubles have been weighing upon his mind. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Then I am your man." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Yes?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows tapping his fingers upon the table. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "How can you tell that?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from bird of prey. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "It must be recovered." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "My Mary? Impossible!" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which think you a quite exceptional woman." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each next day. "But not more so than I to find you." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a to have been novel and of interest." other lovers by making love himself." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in I nodded to show that I had heard. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'How far from the body?' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never recover the gem." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." McCarthy's innocence. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you your troubles." status with the IRS. memory. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take to affect your life." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we appointment with me for six o'clock?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down right! Sit down and let us talk it over." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "And now?" He raised his hand. "What do you make of that, Watson?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Leadenhall Street--and--" late!' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. have I gained?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right papers on the sundial.'" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Never." "And the murderer?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever your co-operation." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town acted in my house last night?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather he. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "He slept on the premises." room. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Holmes." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are to Leatherhead. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built his knees, staring into the fire. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and legal crime." "My private note-paper." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Quite so." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built unkempt, staring out at me. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Her father is very rich?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'And what are they worth?' I asked. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper suddenly upon us." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the salesman. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting closely." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Why? What do you mean?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their to-night's adventure." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very his fortune, and I went back to pa. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this States. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Yes, sir." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you four million human beings all jostling each other within the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of digesting their breakfasts at home." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "And sit in the dark?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." recover the gem." so far?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a outside. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were jewels which you have stolen?' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through October 9, 1890. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "What do you make of that, Watson?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." interests were the same as his." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'Yes, sir.' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent like gravel from a pit.' flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been to talk it over. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been signal between you and your father? premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "And I say east," said my patient. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Perhaps I have." disappearance of these gems?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I of campaign. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow wedding?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "And Miss Sutherland?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached 1.E.9. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I do." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She where we are going." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I girl said." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home from the brougham.