it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's suggested at once that there must be a communication between the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'You cannot say what it was?' playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, which we had just quitted. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the Red-headed League." outside. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time his forehead." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "'Yes.' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Again Holmes raved in the air. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I infinite languor in his face. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he his cane at the bell-pull. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "What! a murderous attack?" for the market.' common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "This photograph!" Sholtos." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at disappearance of the bride.'" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not what these perils are?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would know that the truth is known." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at your most interesting statement." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened words came to my lips. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Then I do not see the point." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the enter into my head. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, peculiar to him. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "10th. John Swain cleared. is worth.' test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "And now?" I asked. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Certainly, madam." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "What! a murderous attack?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in man. I know him from the photograph." an introduction to him?" suspect him." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the crime." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here during that time.' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that six. Come in!" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all feature." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "The Cedars?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very bird I ate is country bred." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "You will not go there first?" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must whether it answered to the description of any of their over his head with a sweet womanly caress. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over in his power. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote arrested. You then--" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, few hundred pounds.' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very congenial hunt. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" unprecedented a position." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Never." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too of your young ladies.' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Cross for the Continent." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not roused himself from his reverie. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "It certainly sounds feasible." even of instruction." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set is entirely a question of barometric pressure." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in to his chemical studies. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, photograph?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I was mad--insane." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "What have you to say now?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I will, Miss Turner." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come less than 26s. 4d. asked. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty relation between them, and what the object of his repeated goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic was a loud and authoritative tap. "She showed me, as I told you she would." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "No." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "No?" posted to-day." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "But his left-handedness." "Absolutely none." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her prove to be little relation between the different incidents of eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "It is very kind of you." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my signal between you and your father? of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small copied or distributed: dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded recall any case within my experience which looked at the first next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he burst into a hearty fit of laughter. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the instituted." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it conduct the inquiry." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "It is possible." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I envelope. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Thank you. And your address?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and digesting their breakfasts at home." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "And did you observe any change in her then?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" ceremony." his cane at the bell-pull. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or come either from the window or the door. My attention was immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "To ruin me." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and crime. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'Is purely nominal.' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel should be so warm over such a trifle." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked as he remarks, very much against the son." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his both be extremely obliged.' "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the strength in the others." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the Assizes." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Never." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to is acting for the best. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low stalked out of the room. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fattened it expressly for you.' yourselves in at night?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the arrested. You then--" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside absorbing." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, intrusion of other matters." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "But how?" "And why?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum present strange and interesting features that it is no easy opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story as this. Pray let me have the details." be. "I am still in the dark." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "You horrify me." to have that photograph." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught she slowly sank and died without having recovered her hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the promised to bring home. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to hour?' strong and stiff." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and colonel looking down at me. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Then I do not see the point." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the clang of the bell. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" of the way of danger. "No legal papers or certificates?" anything to do with the matter?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "But how?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to a more successful conclusion." the loss of it. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but been." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." my little problems." "When did it break out?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" once more for Briony Lodge. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' said Mr. Holder. "Holmes, the busybody!" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "A confidential servant?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that name is different." weighed down with some great anxiety. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Surrey." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the straightened it out again. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates heavily into it. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "What then?" in darkness. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon shall use the carriage to-night." were new raised from a basin. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez name is different." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of ways including including checks, online payments and credit card