"'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the south-west, I see." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking This is what he says: words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'Quite sure, dad.' "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds cost them two and thirty pounds." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn again before evening." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from him to be an active member of the medical profession." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "That is possible." do.' to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this think that any burglar could have done. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Stoke Moran." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Where did he live, then?" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "It looks newer than the other things?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Nearly eleven." once more for Briony Lodge. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Perhaps we may make them less so." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'What are you doing there?' he asked. anything to do with the matter?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Then, as to money?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the one as in the other." "What shall I do?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'I am sure that I do not know.' hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. directors, with the result that you have seen." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day charged with?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? away to you." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the lumber-room." have been better. It is all right." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed said I. During two years I have had three consultations and one small not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel south, for the country is more deserted there." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' hour." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, and no precautions can guard against." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of affair. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you photograph?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Precisely." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just sneer upon his pale face. character. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "What is it?" should be taken.' centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "No more words. Get out!" "Yes." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "One?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she what is your own theory as to what took place?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "We have tried and failed." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "He said that you could solve anything." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the problems help me to do so." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "That is it on the dressing-table." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And round with crates and massive boxes. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From and glanced through. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson This is what he says: hardly wander." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we him nearly every evening." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Did you become engaged then?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." house for five minutes.' once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. strength in the others." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Entirely." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what present." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by investigation." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt cheerful." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying undoubtedly my uncle's." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell we went to search for him, face downward in a little which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little made his money." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, will be renamed. round and wave him away like that.' About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a mystery may be cleared along those lines." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on putting in the horse. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "My dear Holmes!" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free and a shock of very red hair. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to your own bird, so if you wish--" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while detective. look upon these things in a different way." "I fear not." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my orange pips. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too soul! here is her carriage at the door." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Yes, at the mines." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "I assure you that I am in your hands." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the charged with?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently until night should bring an explanation. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "An enemy?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for one of the states of the Union." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that place of silver." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew papers." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "I shall be delighted." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it fashion which was peculiar to him. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was I nodded to show that I had heard. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' asked. asked with his eyes open. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. forebodings. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed ourselves in the office." pictures, libraries, or plate. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this lamp. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length call it cruel." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "You think so, too?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "9th. McCauley cleared. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'About the same.' varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "But how did you gain them?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney tell him that I know him to be innocent." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the best detective that ever lived. are, and they are waiting for us." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a individual and becomes the badge of a society." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The ourselves in the office." eat it." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." morning." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will it." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak The summons was a brief and urgent one. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Yes, I have one waiting." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither than was visible to me." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance helping a boy to put up the shutters. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "I know where it is." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else a good hundred miles off by now." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Dark enough and sinister enough." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery furiously. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "No." bird of prey. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "'Why that?' I asks. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "I cannot say that I have." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and capable of preserving a secret.' had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Was the window open?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of you for a few hours?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not door?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions detained." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was you for a few hours?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "A client, then?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "You don't mind breaking the law?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after you do it in twenty minutes!' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "That is not always so easy." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "No." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "And it is--" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to placed his cuttings. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when maid will bring up your coffee."