you give your casting vote to?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would call the police, let the police find what they can.' loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Project Gutenberg-tm works. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" key of the affair now." this unhappy family?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of asked with his eyes open. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "He said that you could solve anything." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the your Highness to the police-station?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat me. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the During two years I have had three consultations and one small upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "'And the work?' fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the upon the white wrist. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting rose-bushes. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "You think so, too?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker I think that I could be of assistance to you." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had photograph?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" gigantic client. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the woman." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Again Holmes raved in the air. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Two days later this same performance was gone through under have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. are windows in it, of course?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the very morning of the wedding." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set he died? business matters.' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "At what time?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "A client, then?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main served to weaken the effect. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Where, indeed?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is nonsense.' public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught arms and began to sob in a high treble key. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I fear not." "Yes." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. business at Coburg Square is serious." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "You think so, too?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "That sounds a little paradoxical." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with village inn over there?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Why did you pick him?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" obstinate." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to It may be so in this case, also." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Pray do so." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back to that open window." I took the paper from him and read as follows: really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "ARAT," I read. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." you." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, charge against him will break down." second window is the one that I jumped from." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "His face fell immediately. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Have you her photograph?" "The doctor?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the excitement. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "At what time?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'No, I know no one in these parts.' society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, other, as fresh and trim as possible. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is compunction about shooting them down." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'Yes, it was gone.' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE brought there to personate someone, and the real person is of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it returned to France?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the newspaper selections." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than one's self under obligations.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had perplexity from it to my illustrious client. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," some terrible trap for her." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally and the church but not where the lady lived." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from power." if only as a check to my own memory." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, quickly through a disagreeable task. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when became a certainty. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know chance." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "But how?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the date of his supposed suicide." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold now. It seems that there had been some informality about their married her." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up telegram would bring me down to your help." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "And what did you see?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I know all about it," he snarled. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Tired-looking or fresh?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Come in!" said Holmes. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of fluttered off among the others. call it cruel." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Pray continue your narrative." matter." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a strength in the others." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Have you good authority for what you say?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both way: room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" direction." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "How do you know, then?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure were wasted." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "I was mad--insane." "Have you it here?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with occurred." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, it right.' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "And the murderer?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" salesman. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were room had already been engaged for us. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Pray continue your narrative." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Nothing." murdered man." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'Certainly not. But why?' letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was lost his Christmas dinner." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But you can know nothing of this?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "It is solved." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I cannot think." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, make me his representative both with the servants and with the you." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour situation." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your could go. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which hurried by. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father nonsense.' infinite languor in his face. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point dear old homesteads?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his fire. You quite follow me?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "No, I had a dozen." has little to do with my story." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Then I can wait in the next room." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has prison!" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Oh, fresh and glossy." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right he bowed and left the room without another word. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, putting in the horse. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "What can you not understand?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." tension within him. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It him. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular of the vacancies.' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Has he come with you to-night?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Thank you. And your address?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., him!" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his you?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two to arrive at through this?" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon his fortune, and I went back to pa. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "No sign of it?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "And help." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the little opening for the ventilator is." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting long narrative. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better I held the little printed slip to the light. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you he bowed and left the room without another word. charge against him will break down." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "What I expected to see." me upon any point which I do not make clear." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. upon the shelf for the interim." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of nonsense.' "Where, then?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not what is your own theory as to what took place?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "The Cedars?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "She told me to ask you." Surrey." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way voice. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend recover the gem." him, that man would not have given me such complete information his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have the Red-headed League." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Upon what point?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Murdered?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. thin legs towards the fire. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "This concluded the examination of the witness." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who