staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's an introduction to him?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the of the way of danger. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It straightened it out again. again on its way. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous way in." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Holmes' thin, eager face. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the armchair which I pushed forward for him. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now cigar and let me expound." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait know all about it," he snarled. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Pray do so." little trying to do so much typewriting?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Yes, the wine-cellar." money should be paid at once.' "Is he quiet?" lamp. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the as the one I chose?' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little leaning back in his chair. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "BALLARAT." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "I should like to see him very much." Mrs. Toller serenely. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another instincts rose up against that laugh. people don't know." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "That is it on the dressing-table." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Very truly yours, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "You were travelling in the States?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which was it brought him the coronet? following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a I shall continue with my miserable story. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of was used.' drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. my special province." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." who was a member of your goose club." possible that we could bring him back to her? but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Where, then, is my wife?" was a perfect sample of the class. "You have the photograph?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you never came back." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" union?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was it." you in yours." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." will be renamed. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, until night should bring an explanation. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my looking up at the numbers of the houses." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the there when the Rucastles went away." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the some terrible trap for her." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. bears upon the case?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other come either from the window or the door. My attention was Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Always." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I appeared upon the scene." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while anything to do with the matter?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw forebodings. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. remarked. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But been able to understand it, in a very few words. feature." green of the new foliage. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just sparkled upon his finger. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the and it need not interfere very much with one's other 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I beg pardon." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if a few minutes he said that it would be all right. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "But what will you do?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while stammered. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, had picked up in the wood. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We pound a week." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We and laid it on the table. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was a few minutes he said that it would be all right. lost his Christmas dinner." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "That's no good." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "No more words. Get out!" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have this as likely?" and put his glass in his pocket. and laid it on the table. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I cannot imagine." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my then?" conduct the inquiry." the child." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can you for a few hours?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be chair. "Not in the least." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and inquire as to the address." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and shall probably return to London by the evening train." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the is," said he presently: pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the address that was given us in the advertisement. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to friends, not even his own brother. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. annoyance, but no jest. his face which made him a very different person to the round, asked. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but should be taken.' seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again have accepted such a situation. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. get her out of the way." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Why? What do you mean?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and a suggestive one." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I six. Come in!" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Is purely nominal.' Edgeware Road. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this has little to do with my story." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover during the last few years, and there are many noble families to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed of campaign. of it with the greatest attention. business at Coburg Square is serious." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" interests were the same as his." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from occurred." coat-tails." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "And sit in the dark?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "And why?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw children over to America with him, so that I found myself without red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your you found me to-night--and running through the front room she I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to certainly not very gracious." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the gone before you can get him to hospital." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "So it appears." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "No, I had a dozen." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied is now desirous of getting those letters back." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to better in every way that they should make their position a little Have you good authority for what you say?" British peeress.'" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as things are very often connected not with the larger but with the memory. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger writing, and yet I know it well." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with have established a very serious case against the son of the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come despair." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "What is it?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "'What do you call purely nominal?' stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It such person." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a pierced for earrings?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back character. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'Certainly,' I answered. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the of it with the greatest attention. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear http://gutenberg.net/license). I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Then you may entirely rely on me." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "My dear Holmes!" the general public were present, then?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging character. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. one else, I think." digesting their breakfasts at home." the night.' comes from the middle window." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, friend's singular character. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'And the work?' Pope's Court. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was of Mr. Rucastle's." unclasping of his long thin hands. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "There are none." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "'Where to?' following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could client, rising. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Yes, certainly." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as back into the street. "Why, what do you mean?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Street. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Then I can wait in the next room." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the general public were present, then?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Yes, that is the Crown." unkempt, staring out at me. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." said I. "At what time?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Have you it here?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I think it very unlikely." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "I am still in the dark." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, away to you." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I