strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'What, the red-headed man?' home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong forbidden door. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped infinite languor in his face. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "In which, sir?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. nonsense.' them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. until night should bring an explanation. business matters.' and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong could gather together that I was able to avert another public knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all developed." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "My stepfather's business papers." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and official police." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' were wasted." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my visitors." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have suggested at once that there must be a communication between the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on my special province." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'Yes, I promise.' "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to might have a private word with us. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them him and tried to hold him back. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "No." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "I cannot imagine." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to place of silver." to me. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "And now?" I asked. direction." "There are none." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Nearly eleven." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "It is solved." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "But she could not love him." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Can I be of assistance?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have the running down." "'And the work?' with you alone." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking questionable one." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "What is it, then--a fire?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and but preventing her from injuring another. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so again before evening." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "What then?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a thirty. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Certainly, madam." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking observed. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have and I shall be with you presently." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Was there a secret marriage?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "What shall I do?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the stable lane now." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace as this. Pray let me have the details." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who been." "He slept on the premises." have accepted such a situation. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret papers on the sundial.'" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the to arrive at through this?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into to tackle the facts." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that it? Did I buy the geese off you?" prepare for the new role I have to play." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had opened a pocket-book and took out a note. States. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my delirious. 1.F. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are allusion to a rat. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Were they all fastened this morning?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from bird I ate is country bred." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "But not more so than I to find you." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "But we can't all be." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for point in the dark hollow of his hand. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the night.' beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his me upon any point which I do not make clear." clang of the bell. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face as this. Pray let me have the details." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Where did he live, then?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "'Then let me do so?' "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, excitement. or other trace. But how on earth--" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. money should be paid at once.' well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Why? What do you mean?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Yes, certainly." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I never have." crowd. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "His face fell immediately. "And how have you succeeded?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And on what day did he meet his death?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Seven!" I answered. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man was a loud and authoritative tap. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "None." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must know what is wrong with it.' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot man. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Holmes' face clouded over. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'It is locked up,' I answered. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "That is not always so easy." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "In heaven's name, what for?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the my room." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." was already answered. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Pray do so." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not case-book, which he consulted. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Oh, yes, easily." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "You heard nothing yourself last night?" weapon." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They wall." desk. "But how?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Ha! you find it so?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first until night should bring an explanation. "We have tried and failed." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his at my remark. woman." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution in this note: "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than following enigmatical notices: stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "But you were on a friendly footing?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "And you don't know his address?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." directly by questioning you." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "You were travelling in the States?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me address. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I him, that man would not have given me such complete information of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Leave Paddington by the 11:15." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Where to?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "But his lameness?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "In what way?" asked Holmes. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. closing the door. discontent upon his features. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand followed. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a round with crates and massive boxes. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "And now?" He raised his hand. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have and capable of preserving a secret.' right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but brandy and water within his reach. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "About a month then." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "And sit in the dark?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "To ruin me." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs ago." "What! You do not mean bodies?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not all-comprehensive glances. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took face and glided from the room. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, chance." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer jewels which you have stolen?' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and criminal. We have already had experience of such." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a I shall continue with my miserable story. you." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in to miss it." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic outbreak?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough thin legs towards the fire. "None." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average My friend smiled. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not this as likely?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private happened." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Gutenberg-tm License. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from neither fascinating nor artistic." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "You have but to name it." "Never to return." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to mystery!" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Yes." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready that you wished to speak to me?' closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" remarked.