the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers towards the blaze. out of this horrible affair." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I know all about it," he snarled. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what and a shock of very red hair. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "No, my brougham is waiting." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean passage and a tap at the door. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "You think that he is dead?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Where did you address your letters, then?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking too. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in best detective that ever lived. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "You think that he is dead?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering already been minutely examined." eat it." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To was a perfect sample of the class. is worth.' four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "My opinion is in no way altered." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "The gentleman I describe." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "He said too much." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from said I. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to mystery." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I cannot tell." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if extraordinary contortions. "But you can know nothing of this?" It may be so in this case, also." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we sound at heart." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles what these perils are?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Surrey." Again Holmes raved in the air. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where October 9, 1890. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "But how did you gain them?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is together. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Have you good authority for what you say?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. joking. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, that there was nothing in it, after all." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. cost them two and thirty pounds." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been at my own good fortune. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you new duties?' with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in intrusion of other matters." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. vanished into the darkness. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Stoke Moran?" said he. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be been deceived." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he suddenly upon us." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Holmes' room. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that within hail.' has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to a suggestive one." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to you." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened II. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me mysterious business." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Did you observe the colour?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, bell. Holmes whistled. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'What do you call purely nominal?' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your speckled band?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between upon the shelf for the interim." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Yes, certainly." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. in this way: I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement anything to a woman, for she would have her way." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin flock.' all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'Never.' "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. she used." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in unkempt, staring out at me. all that?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at depend upon my doing so.' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I depend upon your compliance." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Pray continue your narrative." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at all that?" did not hear it also.' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Yes. He waved his hands." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "There is the writing." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found passage and a tap at the door. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, had picked up in the wood. "But his left-handedness." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I beg pardon." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of it right.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler matters immensely." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to them?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I nodded to show that I had heard. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the people don't know." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be or other trace. But how on earth--" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "I assure you that I am in your hands." empty. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the matter." see me here to avoid scandal." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest tightly behind him. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his other lovers by making love himself." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "So I have heard." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, chance at all." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Very much so." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms that, and I came down." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that the house with me." quickly through a disagreeable task. the ceiling. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Pool. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had lectures into a series of tales." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we at a side door. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, gentleman's clothes. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. have not had my rubber." generous with you in money matters.' possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of business at Coburg Square is serious." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Where does the thing come from?' between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Chief Executive and Director many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns to where he stood hid behind the curtain. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "At the wedding breakfast." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "I am all attention, madam." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. again, where I was soon asleep. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and will take you up to see the machine.' frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should depend upon my doing so.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Your sister is dead, then?" one of them." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell my secret was safe in his possession. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a have had none more fantastic than this." my secret was safe in his possession. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband you give your casting vote to?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, not personally threatened." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "None. Neville wrote those words." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "You saw the ventilator, too?" "'Oh, no.' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Do you receive much company?" he asked. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you have accepted such a situation. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Well." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years yourselves in at night?" "What have you to say now?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to village inn over there?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a away into the river." works. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort best detective that ever lived. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really served to weaken the effect. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. unprofitable." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "No, I am descending." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Yes, all." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is some mystery and the punishment of some crime." been with you?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear rose-bushes. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." whatever might befall. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, been." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every of campaign. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Not particularly." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the child." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Foundation official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family