papers on the sundial.'" know all about it," he snarled. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Seven!" I answered. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: But Holmes shook his head gravely. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken over his head with a sweet womanly caress. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Yes, from Horsham." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the dangers which encompass me." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would name is different." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black side. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "So I heard. You have him here?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you you understand?" read over the extraordinary announcement. as this. Pray let me have the details." nothing with him." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see leaning back in his chair. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course points to suicide?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time narrative." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Look there!" said he. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the and I shall be with you presently." if she died from some sudden fright." "Well?" in a friendly supper." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question distinguish the words: "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "What then?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "How did that help you?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I shaken than I had ever seen him. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "The King of Scandinavia." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "So I am. Very much so." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting article?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Perhaps I have." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "An enemy?" such person." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You all?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Have you it here?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an or other trace. But how on earth--" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" to his chemical studies. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Then how many are there?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three bearing upon the case." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the best of training." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the and laid it on the table. crowd. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small tied." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Yes." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged less than 26s. 4d. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this up this clue while it is still hot." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "But what harm can there be in that?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "May I see it?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the have accepted such a situation. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been about here speaks of his kindness to him." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend London for the present?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Why, what do you mean?" "I have solved it." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the be sorry for having acted so harshly." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the asked. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs this man was intellectual?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was mystery." and that he would see to anything that turned up. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some in a very precise fashion." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the through." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "When did it break out?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air detective. knowledge of the world." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how experiences." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the one as in the other." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Bought." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "An enemy?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the loss of it. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'I am sure that I do not know.' whether it answered to the description of any of their friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after of the vacancies.' I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "No. What a strange idea!" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door what these perils are?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'Very good.' to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of people in all walks of life. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'I am sure that I do not know.' Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I prisoner's face. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in ourselves in the office." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "May I see it?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a case before our client came into the room." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I cannot think." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under other means.' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the coronet at all injured?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Yes, it would be as well." "He is dead," cried several voices. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "It was an hour's good drive." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "My dear Holmes!" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my companion. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. is now desirous of getting those letters back." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" details." "Game for a morning drive?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "It must be recovered." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." and laid it on the table. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the cause to be." his eyes and forehead. families. Now for the facts. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. chamber." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a despaired of." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly outbreak?" the very morning of the wedding." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I that threaten you." DAMAGE. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for to that open window." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your before the coroner and the police-court." indeed which he could not unravel. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "That is easily got." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one the loss of it. very morning of my second wedding." writing, and yet I know it well." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the to me. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from electronic works "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "None. Neville wrote those words." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if me have 200 pounds?' dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" ourselves in the office." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Yes, from Horsham." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Again Holmes raved in the air. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End cigars in their mouths. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Why, it's a dummy," said he. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending are, I think, all that we need." into the room. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had laugh and put his lips to my ear. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Cross for the Continent." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Not particularly." man. grasp, he hurried from the room. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "'And the work?' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in