"But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "And help." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. it were putty." you for a few hours?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "You don't mind breaking the law?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "What shall I do?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and photograph a cabinet?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when to surprise her." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Yes, only one." sparkled upon his finger. the coronet in his hand?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has me. You must get home instantly and act." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there gone. good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." you came in." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord have had none more fantastic than this." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It missed him, then?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" we went to search for him, face downward in a little I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, shoulder. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "He disappeared so suddenly." electronic works was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "You horrify me." asked with his eyes open. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "So I heard. You have him here?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as have one." "Not I." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was singular points about the case. What did the police think of the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Then I can wait in the next room." "Was the window open?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further his cane at the bell-pull. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding must compliment you." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Pool. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I know where it is." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Quite so. She has her freedom." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "The Cedars?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take standing smiling on the door-step. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Holmes' thin, eager face. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had begun to whiten, even as mine has." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little it were putty." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "And how?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Ample." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "And you don't know his address?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it breakfast?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of o'clock is it?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the best of training." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. copied or distributed: three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "And I." "Yes." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were forbidden door. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than through." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you his huge brown hands. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of I. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. occupations.' "Murdered?" strode off upon his way. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the of campaign. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'How far from the body?' one's self under obligations.' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and will be renamed. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I knowledge of the world." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. and your relations to her." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. very old mansion. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly locked." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "From his hat?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the was lame." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" instituted." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "The gentleman I describe." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project to change my dress. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Why, what do you mean?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Street. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we to tackle the facts." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Serpentine Avenue. had died away into the silence from which it rose. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Perhaps I have." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are key turn in the lock." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of fire. You quite follow me?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about was not a bird to be seen there. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the all?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. were wasted." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my lids now and glanced across at his visitor. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "And when will you call?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling any." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom it." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round back alive. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. case-book, which he consulted. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the inquest, and which are worth considering." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, I have it here in my museum." made him keep the appointment." "Then I can wait in the next room." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, discontent upon his features. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug as yours." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was to tackle the facts." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business what is your own theory as to what took place?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. heavy and sharp instrument." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Nor running a chance of arrest?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in suggested at once that there must be a communication between the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. south, for the country is more deserted there." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the window, rose as we entered. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of what is your own theory as to what took place?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside be. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see lamp. "'And the work?' "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a wedding?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "How do you know, then?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "By all means." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with to Leatherhead. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. to arrive at through this?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable said he, "my real name is James Ryder." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide off." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "But how?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Never." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "If so, much may have happened between." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "The Coroner: What do you mean? delighted to hear it," he said. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Is purely nominal.' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that events than those which have happened in my own family." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "I cannot imagine." "Well, but China?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of held up the lantern and gazed about him. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "My photograph." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the several quiet little villages up there." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "And how?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the shoulder; "he's all right." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker newspaper selections." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "How are you getting on?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Where, then?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." might have a private word with us. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet,"