man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is before, for it was considerably after midnight. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned eat it." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "This photograph!" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen threw himself down with his face to the pillow. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "When did she vanish, then?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Leadenhall Street--and--" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Precisely." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he to-night's adventure." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no answered with a sidelong glance. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Gutenberg-tm License. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Yes, sir." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'What are you doing there?' he asked. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it page at http://pglaf.org other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has there were one or two details which were new to me. But the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I hardly wander." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "How many? I don't know." His smile broadened. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. placed his cuttings. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I man. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the coronet in his hands?" "And that is--" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. in my life." if she died from some sudden fright." "I think that it is very probable." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the very morning of the wedding." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "You horrify me." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me himself to hunt down. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" drawing your inferences." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Yes, sir." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" States. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that me. You must get home instantly and act." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round you understand?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps tail." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "9th. McCauley cleared. "I assure you that I am in your hands." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black have got?" "Have you her photograph?" all-comprehensive glances. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "And what did you see?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I them?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those three fields round his house, and there he would take his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of test if we have an answer to our advertisement." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the night.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be only touch the interest." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. telegram would bring me down to your help." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Never." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and it need not interfere very much with one's other but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Heh?' allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Why, what do you mean?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of fire. You quite follow me?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those everything which you would wish to know." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a direction." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the must compliment you." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was into the room. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was matter over." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "'I am sure that I do not know.' were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your instituted." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "She showed me, as I told you she would." a good hundred miles off by now." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off conclusions. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "The knees of his trousers." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is http://gutenberg.net/license). Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical would apply.' "'Yes.' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Then what has happened to him?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Pray do so." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Surrey." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the with the outside air!" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view hopeless attempt at recovering them." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had is acting for the best. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted was keenly on my guard against him. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks without success. At last the little money which I had saved began inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Yes." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then lost nothing by them." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but breakfast and whispered something to her husband. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of But Holmes shook his head gravely. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and put his glass in his pocket. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "About a month then." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his if she died from some sudden fright." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I cannot imagine." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "What have you to say now?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "But you were on a friendly footing?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." upon the shelf for the interim." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From help us in this matter." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "'Yes, sir.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Certainly." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was have accepted such a situation. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Only as much as we can deduce." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'I shall certainly be there.' Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I am in hopes that she does." dear old homesteads?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even shag which I had seen upon the previous night. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout know what is wrong with it.' my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "How did he come?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my purpose equally well?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for hopeless attempt at recovering them." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, in the dead of the night?' least a most suspicious remark." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may at my own good fortune. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Not in a good cause." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her the stones. that you can jump it.' I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two I nodded to show that I had heard. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very power." letters?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Only as much as we can deduce." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "A call for help, you thought?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular British peeress.'" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they writer." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your developed." it right.' "Yes, the wine-cellar." Holmes. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been salesman. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you woven round him. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Certainly." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Ten will be early enough." "Do you know him?" DAMAGE. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Frequently." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "The gentleman I describe." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There conversation I have gathered that they have been married about insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution was feeling which was the fattest.' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which room. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the that you can jump it.' "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four second." "They are typewritten," I remarked. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "'Is 4 pounds a week.' and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be character. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was you in yours." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, vanished into the darkness. shoulder; "he's all right." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "I cannot think." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "There is the writing." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "I am armed." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and of them has the shutters up.' from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day as the one I chose?' encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so