his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "And what did you learn from him?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the lost his Christmas dinner." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole do.' "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the best of training." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the salesman. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before pressing in one house as in another. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "It missed him, then?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "When did it break out?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three depend upon your compliance." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." will not take me long to tell. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and gbnewby@pglaf.org time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Yes." "And how in the world did you find them?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the presented more singular features than that which was associated he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the train.' "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "The decline of his fortunes, then?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and shall probably return to London by the evening train." paper in the air. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "What will you say?" annoyance, but no jest. husband's writing, madam." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It do." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." you in your example." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the any more." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for about. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "That is not always so easy." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than know what is wrong with it.' said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he just ask you whether you had heard it.' have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the golden eyeglasses. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is you give your casting vote to?" the stable lane now." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person been able to understand it, in a very few words. there." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, copied or distributed: upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, evidence," I remarked. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "You think that he is dead?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old brain must have something in it." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the again on its way. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Yes, all." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "No." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "My private note-paper." as noiselessly as she had come. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Surrey." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "It came here." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "It is solved." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "By train from Waterloo." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Where, then?" forebodings. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "So I have heard." matter over." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, room had already been engaged for us. conduct the inquiry." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at mystery." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Why did you pick him?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat fire. You quite follow me?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these quick march!" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "To ruin me." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in hereditary King of Bohemia." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "No?" prisoner's face. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "In the cells." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began breakfast?" "Ten will be early enough." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, at once, for I have only half an hour." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "The best possible." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I have solved it." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which round and wave him away like that.' to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' works. See paragraph 1.E below. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I must compliment you." "Indeed! Whose, then?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he second window is the one that I jumped from." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had character. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he once more to my work. writer." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich of campaign. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the dramatic, in fact." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "He slept on the premises." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the bottom.' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Nearly eleven." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. ventilator." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was to-morrow." "She told me to ask you." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said asked with his eyes open. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'Very good.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a experiences." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel where Mr. Fordham shows you.' undoubtedly my uncle's." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of there were one or two details which were new to me. But the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Pray continue your narrative." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long searched, without anything being found which could incriminate I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "That is possible." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the shaken than I had ever seen him. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to second." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those congratulate you again." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I would give my fortune to have them back." 1.E.9. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "A client, then?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will very morning of my second wedding." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Will you bet, then?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to and inquire as to the address." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we coat-tails." cheerful." hard-headed British jury." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" on re-entering her father's house?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Then you may entirely rely on me." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "And why in hopes?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'Stolen!' he cried. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination matter." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "If so, much may have happened between." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Yes, certainly." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Does that suggest anything?" Chief Executive and Director rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was at once, for I have only half an hour." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon to me. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the south-west, I see." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I cannot think." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." think that any burglar could have done. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to secret." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the possible that we could bring him back to her? it right.' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of once more for Briony Lodge. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at a room. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any forehead. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my over part of the map. "What do you read?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "'I have already given you my word.' very old mansion. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella