which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Then what has happened to him?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." confronted him. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been desk. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same place no limit on the sum I may draw." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be colonel looking down at me. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the for its centre. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Imitated." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Where did he live, then?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Never." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, hands. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith what do you think they found in the pockets?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "It is his hat." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the inner apartment." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." "It is very kind of you." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, felt?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'Yes, sir.' "Certainly." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Yes, it was twisted." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes security.' At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for plantation.' "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would he bowed and left the room without another word. the south-west, I see." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I am still in the dark." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Where is it, then?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you there has been an enclosure here!" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to papers." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made was used.' do you make of it all?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "The Cedars?" "I have a cab outside." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he maiden herself was most instructive." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in murdered man." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "My opinion is in no way altered." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "We were both in the photograph." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked companion. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads events, Mr. Windibank!" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties pound a week." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of once more. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring tell them apart.' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Your presence might be invaluable." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "At the wedding breakfast." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but less than 26s. 4d. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "But of what society?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Street. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. papers diligently of late, have you not?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a British peeress.'" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts have an American origin." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "No, my brougham is waiting." "Then how many are there?" "But she could not love him." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "I would pay ten." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "It must be recovered." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Yes?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'I am sure if I had known--' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and put his glass in his pocket. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "And how did you verify them?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you read it out to me." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in down. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for own family. yet." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to forehead. bears upon the case?" to that open window." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several occupations.' at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project outside. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are to a more successful conclusion." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the heavy and sharp instrument." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger mystery may be cleared along those lines." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A this truth that in these little records of our cases which you her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Have you her photograph?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "You think so, too?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the roots. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "In San Francisco, a year ago." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Yes. He waved his hands." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty with some details as to your case." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." paper in the air. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and the colonel ushered me in. unprofitable." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. gbnewby@pglaf.org correct than the official force." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. on in his house." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'About the same.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from is entirely a question of barometric pressure." through." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite wedding?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest where she found matters as described by the last witness. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the notes," he said. prisoner's face. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "My photograph." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so likely to be some crony of the landlady's." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank of his shoulders. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Yes, sir." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "But we can't all be." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. whatever might befall. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "But she will refuse." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "But your client--" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and developed." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "What can you not understand?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the stable lane now." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "That sounds a little paradoxical." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and eat it." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. ran thus: making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "In the cells." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has you." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at papers." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. thin legs towards the fire. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then already referred to. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and posted to-day." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' in darkness. "Why, what do you mean?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have matter." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "'I have heard so.' "Was there a secret marriage?" "And how did you verify them?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. back alive. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Come in!" said Holmes. indeed which he could not unravel. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the desk. dead, shall be safe with us." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the the inner apartment." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and despair." more terrible than the truth. me upon any point which I do not make clear." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your it. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily generous with you in money matters.' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she there has been an enclosure here!" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of this remarkable episode. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the