sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and on in his house." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "And how did you find out?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "None." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, and all of them with the keenest interest. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'Not at all. I only doubt--' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again undoubtedly my uncle's." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "But I have heard all that you have heard." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "But how?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "He slept on the premises." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is wedding?" "No sign of it?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "I assure you that I am in your hands." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." was keenly on my guard against him. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up of the one which your family is now devouring." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." mysterious end." orange pips. October 9, 1890. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "You have the photograph?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a through." "Very truly yours, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." which our visitor detailed to us. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "No, I had a dozen." nothing with him." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to best detective that ever lived. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet to you." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has again before evening." "But who is he?" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Who by?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was his fortune, and I went back to pa. "They are typewritten," I remarked. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time lips." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the south-west, I see." "I am following you closely," I answered. with you?" was it brought him the coronet? was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "And the murderer?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "That is possible." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable chance." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "It is a murder, then?" long narrative. "How are you getting on?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'Stolen!' he cried. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She some city in a dream. then?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the roots. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the on in his house." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling horse could go." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Yes, he did." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "And how did you find out?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had attention." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. joking. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was crackling voice. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his to have been novel and of interest." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip hands. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City to-night's adventure." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Very much so." laugh and put his lips to my ear. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my done what I asked you, Jones?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." he. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' that I can to serve you." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I cannot tell." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some at home. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that cigars in their mouths. "Thank you. And your address?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic prepare for the new role I have to play." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an ceremony." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you colour had been driven from his face. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined child?' "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the morning and make my own way in the world.' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was charge against him will break down." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "If so, much may have happened between." six. Come in!" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Yes." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself that there was nothing in it, after all." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. little trying to do so much typewriting?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in chance." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to which it had come upon my father." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." examine." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." certainly do as you advise." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "At what time?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Perhaps we may make them less so." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had were unconscious?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what nice household for a young lady." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, are windows in it, of course?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in visitors." "Pray do so." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. that threaten you." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional everything which you would wish to know." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he promised to bring home. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case she used." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is to-night?" I asked. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his knowledge of the world." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my infinite languor in his face. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and wait." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it opened the door, and slipped through. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. could gather together that I was able to avert another public look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the general public were present, then?" shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of one of them." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "9th. McCauley cleared. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I it means?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Yes, the wine-cellar." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last that I can to serve you." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to a light-house. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and of it with the greatest attention. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "I know where it is." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, out of this horrible affair." ashen face. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; occupations.' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he as the one I chose?' with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we of Mr. Rucastle's." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. to-morrow." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that less than 26s. 4d. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'A dozen yards or so.' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the iron safe, which he closed upon it. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I am about to be married." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting way in everything. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission may never be exposed to such a temptation." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees down from London to inquire more deeply into it." you for a few hours?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly colour had been driven from his face. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture attention." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the one else, I think." down. ashen face. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the matter." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Mrs. Toller serenely. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Well, but China?" most interesting one." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike of the way of danger. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you observed. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "The gentleman I describe." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in must compliment you." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as of a light.