that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no problems help me to do so." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Is he quiet?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that investigation." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir hard-headed British jury." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Yes, sir." the one as in the other." off." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Her father is very rich?" already referred to. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll guilty one." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Yes." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his silent! Oh, he will be silent!' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they you for a few hours?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside union?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, of the way of danger. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Because he was handy and would come cheap." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy This is what he says: when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'And the work?' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "But she will refuse." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an ago." get the tickets." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be was used.' I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. carpenter." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "And how did you verify them?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Was the window open?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which companion. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his outside." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my room?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Holmes rather sternly. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "'What, the red-headed man?' of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Street. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. had picked up in the wood. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Holmes. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "'Quite sure, dad.' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Then you may be so with me." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'Ample.' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was side. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Who was the criminal, then?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed least a fellow-countryman. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he approach us with offers to donate. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black that, and I came down." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." bachelor.' thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you o'clock is it?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of then?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I four million human beings all jostling each other within the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. be.' and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "What, then, did Peterson do?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "I should like to see him very much." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." His smile broadened. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. his face which made him a very different person to the round, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Yes, that is the Crown." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, is so. I know all about McCarthy." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "What I expected to see." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "It must be recovered." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from morning." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Yes." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, you understand?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I would pay ten." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "No legal papers or certificates?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe overpowering excitement and concern. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they investigation." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when something of him before." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or strode off upon his way. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "No legal papers or certificates?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The people in all walks of life. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "'Yes, it was gone.' Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must wanted for ourselves." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "How did you deduce the select?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Serpentine Avenue. to that open window." "Precisely." writer." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I detained." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that seven miles from Eyford Station.' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me narrative." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Yes, it would be as well." it right.' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "He might." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a to his chemical studies. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "How on earth--" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or hardly wander." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I am sure." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which chambers. "Thank you. And your address?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of this gang." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I me have 200 pounds?' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Have you good authority for what you say?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "You have carte blanche." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "How on earth--" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such which was all perfectly true. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "But to whom?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. few hundred pounds.' me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should once more. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with II. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to one which it was hard to resist. "Of Friday, June 19th." the station." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "'Where could I find him?' the child." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. a little more before I quite committed myself. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Doctor, of the paper and the date." "How on earth--" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He guilty parties." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding kind enough to tell me what I should do." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "At what time?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the go back?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "He said that you could solve anything." ready to-morrow?' do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious this Miss Turner." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over people in all walks of life. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by digesting their breakfasts at home." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down these bleak autumnal evenings." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "May I see it?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "She will not sell." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns your room." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of points to suicide?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on crime. "Your sister is dead, then?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never had formerly been in part my own. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. or in danger--" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "You forget that I know nothing about it." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Of what day?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and morning." voice, changing her seat as requested. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether disappearance of the bride.'" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is you understand?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a of the one which your family is now devouring." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set I nodded again. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But I took the paper from him and read as follows: young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for dramatic, in fact." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." wife's character?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Arthur Conan Doyle blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' chance at all." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two my room." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and corner of the building. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. and laid it on the table. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. him and tried to hold him back. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if flock.' pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "'Oh, no.' trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little