serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Will you bet, then?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My know that the truth is known." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my brought there to personate someone, and the real person is stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Always." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that in darkness. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight not come at once?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "It is a murder, then?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. late." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with coat-tails." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by system of imprisonment?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." mysterious business." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if go from here to the Strand." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I charge against him will break down." "How about poison?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "I was afraid that you were engaged." him to be an active member of the medical profession." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, prepare for the new role I have to play." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he already referred to. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the that he has suffered." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Murdered?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "By no means." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and me where it went to?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, ventilator." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "It is possible." "But how?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made I was concerned in it." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of straighten it?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "At the wedding breakfast." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. detective. entirely lost his self-respect." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "By no means." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the as yours." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." charged with?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, away to you." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." other means.' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "No legal papers or certificates?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "She will not sell." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so III. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "What will you do, then?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." points to suicide?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Yes, he did." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. some water from a caraffe. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' were new raised from a basin. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. quick march!" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "But he might be a bachelor." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had have accepted such a situation. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief III. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, stepfather?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Nothing." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up guilty parties." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. residence of the great financier. "That is easily got." "9th. McCauley cleared. chair. writer." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "It missed him, then?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "No." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? whether it answered to the description of any of their "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Not particularly." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, never to learn it at all." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Was your sister dressed?" "The landlord of the Alpha." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through second window is the one that I jumped from." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with is a common subject for conversation. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Frequently." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the house with me." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger to some other building. how narrow had been my escape. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn head. So long, then!" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed charged with?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "And why in hopes?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no bore every mark of being an average commonplace British analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her you?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my extraordinary contortions. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "How can you tell that?" footfalls from the street. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as ways including including checks, online payments and credit card a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At father's young wife. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Why did you beat the pavement?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Certainly." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any remarked. only touch the interest." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." against a man in the prime of life?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to it? Did I buy the geese off you?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for the Assizes." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the was a lad." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Always." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the coroner come to?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door your room." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to man. certainly not very gracious." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, him to be an active member of the medical profession." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "No, thank goodness, she did not." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I a little more before I quite committed myself. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the you." evidence," I remarked. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." with her." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY green of the new foliage. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but affair. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, in the dead of the night?' simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Dr. Gregory B. Newby With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon where we are going." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, brandy and water within his reach. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Never to return." "But his left-handedness." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too DAMAGE. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'Yes, I promise.' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. second." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after advice." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in to talk it over. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "What do you make of that, Watson?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Frequently." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, visitors." hurried away. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she was keenly on my guard against him. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Yes, certainly." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to friends, not even his own brother. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his wife has ceased to love him." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Certainly." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, guilty one." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would of the one which your family is now devouring." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young them present such singular features as the strange train of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, was used.' man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms I shall continue with my miserable story. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "No, my brougham is waiting." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon