"I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent golden eyeglasses. "And it is--" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, head. So long, then!" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "But he might be a bachelor." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it http://www.gutenberg.net including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I don't believe it." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would said he, "my real name is James Ryder." within hail.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My husband's writing, madam." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "'Not at all. I only doubt--' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She even so self-evident a thing as that." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Where did he live, then?" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and your sleep?' "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to and wait." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Nothing." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid know all about it," he snarled. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag awaited us upon the table. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel recover the gem." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has The summons was a brief and urgent one. new duties?' some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread gone before you can get him to hospital." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his go back?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion himself to hunt down. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, approach us with offers to donate. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and inquire as to the address." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper companion. suddenly upon us." with you?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no certainly do as you advise." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two right! Sit down and let us talk it over." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who to-night?" I asked. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize went to the Alpha were town bred." to-night?" I asked. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass ill-usage at the hands of fortune. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the taking in every detail of the apartment. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was conduct the inquiry." "None." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a from the brougham. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Bought." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the happened." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. what these perils are?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I should like to see him very much." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell 1.E.9. meanly of me." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a within hail.' the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these bird of prey. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "No. What a strange idea!" wall." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the I shall continue with my miserable story. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her your bag." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and maid will bring up your coffee." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which it means?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "You think so, too?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go absorbing." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his one's self under obligations.' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "You heard nothing yourself last night?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the least a fellow-countryman. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "It looks newer than the other things?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three and prosperity to your house. Good-night." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is some water from a caraffe. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. or in danger--" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Sutherland. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, than was visible to me." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said or other trace. But how on earth--" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "The Coroner: What do you mean? cause to be." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "So I have heard." during that time.' "Not him." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "There is the writing." emerged. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." retorted upon me, and I on you." with frightened eyes at his accuser. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a will take you up to see the machine.' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was taking in every detail of the apartment. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place suspect him." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as works. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and girl said." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Heh?' always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY It may be so in this case, also." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Murdered?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in even of instruction." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "But how did you gain them?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of good for you to do.' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, the inner apartment." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "But she could not love him." overpowering excitement and concern. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I should wish to." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the there!' "The landlord of the Alpha." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the business." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. indiscretion." my room." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His writing, and yet I know it well." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at some place of shelter and let the county police know what has occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Certainly." on in his house." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Do you go out much in society?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was distinguish the words: "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Yes." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "The best possible." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "You heard nothing yourself last night?" easy-going way." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be my former friend and companion. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which salesman. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout of the one which your family is now devouring." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite papers on the sundial.'" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Will you go?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did vanished into the darkness. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a putting in the horse. away to you." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what to have been novel and of interest." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I would pay ten." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" himself to tell his story. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I knowledge of the world." not, dad?" she asked. "I have come for advice." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "My photograph." "Absolutely none." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled