many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" chance at all." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "So I have heard." to you." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was foot. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after friend's singular character. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "It is very kind of you." "Stolen, then." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old has little to do with my story." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the papers diligently of late, have you not?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the London for the present?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in it means?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside you in your example." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than know that the truth is known." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Which are?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Was your sister dressed?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked this remarkable episode. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "That is not always so easy." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "But how?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Perhaps we may make them less so." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "She showed me, as I told you she would." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it III. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in instincts rose up against that laugh. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to matter." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Where did he live, then?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with The police have openly confessed that they can at present make dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into populous neighbourhood." October 9, 1890. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Thank you. And your address?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No prison!" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I children over to America with him, so that I found myself without the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your companion. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. daring than any effort of the imagination." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'Where to?' cigars in their mouths. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Murdered?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Where did you address your letters, then?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of your room." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. and have this put in the evening papers." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." back to my heart. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "None." Clair, of Lee." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the Assizes." "Will you bet, then?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man to-night." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business next day. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made emerged. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing him!" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 out." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, whole matter to your consideration." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the it with his own hands." Eyford." Mrs. Toller serenely. you?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "So I am. Very much so." people don't know." keep the flames under. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'Which dealer's?' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "To ruin me." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Chief Executive and Director set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I have solved it." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when characteristics, but those are the more obvious." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the bottom.' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "I think that it is very probable." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I see no marks." "He is still with you, I presume?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell was a loud and authoritative tap. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that always that they were such commands as a lady might with and prosperity to your house. Good-night." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical nothing of it?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the inquest, and which are worth considering." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my think, you have already met." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "'Quite sure, dad.' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest so far?" your Highness to the police-station?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me brandy and water within his reach. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is locked. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my photograph?" she used." was a lad." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there outbreak?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "What office?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the side-table." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some chance at all." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Entirely." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think have established a very serious case against the son of the gentleman's clothes. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at long narrative. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "We were both in the photograph." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Yes, from Horsham." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'Yes, sir.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Street. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Her father is very rich?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "'Never.' I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, I am not easy in my mind about them." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Did your wife hear all this?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, interests were the same as his." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no entirely devoid of interest." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Certainly, madam." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken you?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under was keenly on my guard against him. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "How can you tell that?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of in the port of London." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Quite so. She has her freedom." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to more solid." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of giving me time to thank him. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Look there!" said he. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in you for a few hours?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your thin legs towards the fire. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made our word." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Witness: I must still refuse. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Just look it up, then." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "But how?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so McCarthy's innocence. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do was it brought him the coronet? "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." ran thus: to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his never to learn it at all." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Then, how do you know?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a visitors." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Dirty?" between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever in this way: "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions been with you?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the tragedy. "And I say east," said my patient. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to country, and eventually married, without anyone having a