would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "I should wish to." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the to take care of herself." "That sounds a little paradoxical." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but who was a member of your goose club." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I an introduction to him?" stood on the top of it. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Very truly yours, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be I shall communicate with you." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then entirely lost his self-respect." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and was lame." your own bird, so if you wish--" during which he might have communicated with his friend the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, your most interesting statement." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which me upon any point which I do not make clear." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes will he say when he returns?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your trifles." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in From what you have told me I think that it is possible that though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Serpentine Avenue. was a lad." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which key turn in the lock." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to hurried by. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in characteristics, but those are the more obvious." washing it down with a long draught of water. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, have not had my rubber." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." yet." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the washing it down with a long draught of water. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the extraordinary contortions. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "But how?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "But his left-handedness." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce me have 200 pounds?' of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could question. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to paper in the air. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the most interesting one." crime." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something advice." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Texas, I think." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs very peculiar words of the dying woman?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey not come at once?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "It was." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "You forget that I know nothing about it." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door to surprise her." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, miles off. "You are all wrong." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, again before evening." will not take me long to tell. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "I am to be neutral?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, go from here to the Strand." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a father's young wife. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch fat-encircled eyes. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out light and attacked it." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." papers must be those that are destroyed.' quickly through a disagreeable task. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'Ten to two.' conceal it?" for securing the situation." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" of it with the greatest attention. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers your only hope of safety." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less that he has suffered." at home. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Lee, in the county of Kent." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the forecastle of an emigrant ship. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through overpowering excitement and concern. conduct the inquiry." burst out into a roar of laughter. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'What do you call purely nominal?' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all quite distinctive." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now during that time.' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that have had none more fantastic than this." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which our visitor detailed to us. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that a few minutes he said that it would be all right. if only as a check to my own memory." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary key of the affair now." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own grasp, he hurried from the room. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, where we are going." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" his face. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is papers must be those that are destroyed.' "None. Neville wrote those words." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked situation." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the photograph?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Yes, but only for you and me." to miss it." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "What of the rat, then?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Then he might have called to you?" "It was." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "It is no ordinary one." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads McCarthy's innocence. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'Ample.' "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have hand, madam?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your bill, which interests me deeply." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I say it is." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I know where it is." "Pray continue your narrative." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Holmes. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the what these perils are?" words came to my lips. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father official police." "Nothing." "What do you mean?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for without a word or a look. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "None. Neville wrote those words." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just of the vacancies.' for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the loss of it. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there and the church but not where the lady lived." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my grasp, he hurried from the room. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from extraordinary contortions. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Not yet." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late over part of the map. "What do you read?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving together. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "If so, much may have happened between." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "But you have hopes?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "At what time?" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up own family. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Could he throw no light?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." down. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let it with his own hands." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any as he folded up the epistle. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is depend upon my doing so.' "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At closely." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without me. You must get home instantly and act." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "That you are never beaten." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of McCarthy." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "It is to him that this trophy belongs." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of was not a bird to be seen there. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for that you wished to speak to me?' is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Pool. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, walking." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. arrested. You then--" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. you want, then?' "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "You know me, then?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Of Friday, June 19th." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without less than 26s. 4d. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." in this way: "Not him." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was outside. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on near as much as father could have got if he had been alive."