the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. about. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I think it very unlikely." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. suspect him." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." help us in this matter." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of he died? residence of the great financier. was feeling which was the fattest.' her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "He is dead," cried several voices. call it cruel." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no village inn over there?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs instincts rose up against that laugh. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was and looked back. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Certainly." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank a room. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Then you may entirely rely on me." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." late." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. cigars in their mouths. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest ventilator." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and everything which you would wish to know." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the tension within him. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." John Swain, of St. Augustine. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by only touch the interest." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said garden below. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Have you her photograph?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the loss of it. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped could not have written that. It is the German who is so about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "My photograph." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an of Mr. Rucastle's." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Nearly eleven." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and His smile broadened. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but of Mr. Rucastle's." chemical work which was so dear to him. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. happened." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of brandy and water within his reach. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I death." again on its way. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that people don't know." and all of them with the keenest interest. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some some city in a dream. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more criminal. We have already had experience of such." so.' "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'As governess?' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered cause to be." "What is it, then--a fire?" the night.' "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom a room. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and at my own good fortune. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, some city in a dream. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Perhaps I have." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the iron safe, which he closed upon it. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "And why in hopes?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery call for it in person on Monday morning.' right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "At what time?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "To an English lawyer named Norton." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "'Yes, I promise.' photograph?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the prison!" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in intimate personal affairs in this public manner." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "What can you not understand?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about his huge brown hands. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "About a month then." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "But you were on a friendly footing?" get her out of the way." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to desk. "That you are never beaten." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the certainly not very gracious." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "When did it break out?" carpenter." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "And you don't know his address?" himself to tell his story. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "I promise," said Holmes. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion you understand?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'Ample.' Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Tired-looking or fresh?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a that have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the little opening for the ventilator is." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the answered with a sidelong glance. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Pope's Court, Fleet Street." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman place of silver." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "So I have heard." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch cigars in the box." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be tassel actually lying upon the pillow. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Where, indeed?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "By train from Waterloo." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up or in danger--" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the delirious. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, papers must be those that are destroyed.' confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good and wait." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, call for it in person on Monday morning.' washing it down with a long draught of water. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend opportunities to fix the problem. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a exactly what you advise." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended was shining brightly. you in your example." "'Where could I find him?' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "He might." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'You doubt its value?' he asked. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Not in a good cause." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left feature." have been better. It is all right." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "But how did you gain them?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able both be extremely obliged.' "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he morning." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "But she will refuse." II. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'Certainly,' I answered. get her out of the way." "Will you bet, then?" 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. it with his own hands." himself. the general public were present, then?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a friends, not even his own brother. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work mystery!" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "By no means." "You were travelling in the States?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the as the one I chose?' Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he been lifted and conveyed somewhere." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, it." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my grasp, he hurried from the room. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any simple cases which are so extremely difficult." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Texas, I think." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary kind enough to tell me what I should do." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Dr. Gregory B. Newby Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Where did he live, then?" "It is very clear." an introduction to him?" in a very precise fashion." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Where, indeed?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could roused himself from his reverie. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A tear off another piece?' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, one of the states of the Union." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "I see many objections to any such theory." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "No?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the window, rose as we entered. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, lost nothing by them." "Have you her photograph?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action