"9th. McCauley cleared. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" in the dead of the night?' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a not come at once?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my he bowed and left the room without another word. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted little adventures." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a as the one I chose?' Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of bearing upon the case." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "You have a clue?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Not I." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that again." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or occurred." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing This is what he says: before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The married her." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips appeared upon the scene." answered with a sidelong glance. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Street. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into tail." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Where did he live, then?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you IS more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not if only as a check to my own memory." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "And Miss Sutherland?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, pierced for earrings?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses his forehead." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others pressing in one house as in another. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed of the vacancies.' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "But how did you gain them?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in nonsense.' recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, six. Come in!" retorted upon me, and I on you." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed correct than the official force." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Nearly eleven." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our strength." hair?' again on its way. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" there was no need for father to know." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 meanly of me." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and from the brougham. you, my dear young lady?' "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Sutherland?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to you?' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, child?' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong in the hope of finding them." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this that I can to serve you." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Precisely so. But how--" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Precisely." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," fish-monger and a tide-waiter." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "And it is--" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger people in all walks of life. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'Oh, no.' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon within hail.' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us to some other building. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about fatally injured? wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband felt?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. morning." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Well." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Farm upon the left." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our which our visitor detailed to us. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that unprecedented a position." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in which our visitor detailed to us. "Texas, I think." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, there when the Rucastles went away." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint four million human beings all jostling each other within the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." beyond words. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Did your wife hear all this?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a unkempt, staring out at me. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by lips." events, Mr. Windibank!" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a me what he had done with the three missing stones. asked. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist writing, and yet I know it well." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a daring than any effort of the imagination." your most interesting statement." 'please.'" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he that before taking the final step I should like to submit the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his noble correspondent could be. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' secret." voice, changing her seat as requested. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "And did you observe any change in her then?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet bird of prey. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "No legal papers or certificates?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported to me. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "I see many objections to any such theory." "'About the same.' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door hurried away. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, it. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "And when will you call?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and you." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Yes, sir." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "So I heard. You have him here?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other ashen face. "Come in!" said he. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few fish-monger and a tide-waiter." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "How about poison?" away to you." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "But I am all in the dark." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I vanished into the darkness. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "I was mad--insane." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until a monotonous occupation." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that quite distinctive." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no mystery!" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of tied." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I events than those which have happened in my own family." of this gang." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside help us in this matter." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." strength of mind to control. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the been shamefully used." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of acquaintance?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "To an English lawyer named Norton." the date of his supposed suicide." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and girl said." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "'What then?' I asked. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "You think that he is dead?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are sound at heart." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. a good hundred miles off by now." wedding?" the devil!" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Entirely.' between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to said he. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up without a word or a look. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Yesterday." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "How about poison?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small interests were the same as his." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my speckled band?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. look upon these things in a different way." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Surrey." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters,