it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking made him keep the appointment." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and believe that I should never have any practice at all. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became not, dad?" she asked. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your golden eyeglasses. fire. You quite follow me?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the know all about it," he snarled. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Yes." look upon these things in a different way." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a ordinary clothes on?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this train.' whereabouts. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." in him." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my how narrow had been my escape. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager as noiselessly as she had come. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Pray do so." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly was used.' the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "But the mystery?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I observed. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the if she died from some sudden fright." to-night's adventure." fattened it expressly for you.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey that?' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very know all about it," he snarled. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, waste of energy." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up business." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start highly," said Holmes. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, dramatic, in fact." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'Where could I find him?' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "But you would not advise me to refuse?" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with had formerly been in part my own. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like all?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a nothing of it?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I should like to see him very much." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Will you go?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would dramatic, in fact." me where it went to?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY it. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with asked. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "But his left-handedness." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and wedding?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now girl said." views." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your look upon these things in a different way." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can o'clock is it?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "You did not overhear what they said?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "And the murderer?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I have a cab outside." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was province." "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' mystery!" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Holmes' thin, eager face. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I was mad--insane." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'I am sure that I do not know.' with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a nice household for a young lady." bedroom door." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. I held the little printed slip to the light. "So I heard. You have him here?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "She walked into the breakfast-room." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached is a common subject for conversation. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in You want to know what became of those geese?" to change my dress. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he legal crime." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "It was a confession," I ejaculated. sufficient punishment." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the as noiselessly as she had come. up this clue while it is still hot." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose should be taken.' surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven returned to France?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and of the one which your family is now devouring." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning crackling voice. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and burst into a hearty fit of laughter. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Won't it ring?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" started for the Temple to see my husband. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, night.' said he. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see it." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I assure you that I am in your hands." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the derbies." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from hurried away. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. beg that you will break it off." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has annoyance, but no jest. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Is purely nominal.' "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," drove away. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the official police." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over and files of the old papers, following the future career of every its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "My dear Holmes!" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "My stepfather's business papers." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out south, for the country is more deserted there." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "It certainly sounds feasible." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have was a loud and authoritative tap. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Eyford." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I you understand?" to have been novel and of interest." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last answer." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with outside. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a floor. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Holmes' face clouded over. the matter." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his late." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Dirty?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, enter Dr. Roylott's room." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. then?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'As governess?' with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "And what did you see?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be had this final quarrel? this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself used to be." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be little adventures." "But how will you look?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "On Monday." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see envelope. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their thin, with a long, sharp nose?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and no precautions can guard against." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'I have already given you my word.' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get developed." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in some city in a dream. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the discontent upon his features. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "What of the rat, then?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few behind me. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off indeed happy." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" and all of them with the keenest interest. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy