"Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Dr. Becher's." "Then I do not see the point." "I cannot think." upon the sideboard." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat into her hand at the door and which lured her within their what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start be. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Ah!" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "My photograph." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I late." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of results." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical of receipt of the work. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "It's nothing of the kind." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, true." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out I think that I could be of assistance to you." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Not social, then?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided them present such singular features as the strange train of "'Yes, it was gone.' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "And now?" He raised his hand. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "And help." "But she could not love him." delirious. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming been able to understand it, in a very few words. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "No, I had a dozen." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. to a light-house. "'It is locked up,' I answered. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose fattened it expressly for you.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will fish-monger and a tide-waiter." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble locked." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Not in a good cause." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Will you go?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Nor running a chance of arrest?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "No. His orders were to stay in the house." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less client, rising. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Did you become engaged then?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to tell me that you intended to go into harness." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "But how will you look?" "Stolen." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their own family. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "But your client--" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "But your client--" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Leave Paddington by the 11:15." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the of a light. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel them?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or him. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, that he has suffered." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding with frightened eyes at his accuser. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set I. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its you, my dear young lady?' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions I held the little printed slip to the light. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to him, that man would not have given me such complete information another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or himself in a perplexing position. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "And that is--" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "I am still in the dark." true." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Pray be precise as to details," said he. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in note?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'Yes, sir.' considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "We were both in the photograph." absorbing." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can 1.E.9. was already answered. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in carriage. It was a chestnut." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "By no means." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "You have the photograph?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days room?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With hands. paper in the air. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I should wish to." "I see no marks." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler other, as fresh and trim as possible. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "'I have heard so.' free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "And Irene Adler?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a she to prove their authenticity?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "And who is her maid?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by was lame." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a on re-entering her father's house?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, for securing the situation." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular know that the truth is known." you?' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the driver. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. that?' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my crowd. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover pierced for earrings?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the me." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at indeed happy." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a to Leatherhead. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I have I gained?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Thank you. Pray proceed." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "It may not come to that," said Holmes. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the driver. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is gentleman's clothes. "So I heard. You have him here?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your views." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked discontent upon his features. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe in his power. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord awaited us upon the table. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Quite so." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged what I may call a really hard day's work." remarked. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "I am still in the dark." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the disappearance of these gems?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of your most interesting statement." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. in a very precise fashion." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the written. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about once more for Briony Lodge. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did shaken than I had ever seen him. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Surrey." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "It is half-past ten now." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He details should find their way into the papers. Inspector pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Nor running a chance of arrest?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, look upon these things in a different way." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place 11:15.' trifles." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the child." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "To an end?" Gutenberg-tm License. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her you." "No." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this I. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between over here." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." yet." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all