his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the in a very precise fashion." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring outsides of the windows. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it have I gained?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must cigars in their mouths. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "It is true that I have been generally successful." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never delirious. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I was lame." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between purpose of examination. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" used to be." asked. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can use an arc-and-compass breastpin." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "You did not overhear what they said?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help answered with a sidelong glance. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he your co-operation." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Well." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "One?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." of." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel said I. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I know where it is." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what helping a boy to put up the shutters. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the salesman. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the late." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and wait." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Never to return." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is," said he presently: wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return to-morrow." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the results." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I came to find a friend." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him character. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Certainly." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away take the flies, but not before." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out there was no need for father to know." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed a monotonous occupation." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the dangers which encompass me." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Tired-looking or fresh?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some your most interesting statement." o'clock is it?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about in a friendly supper." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "But you would not advise me to refuse?" guilty parties." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I have seen the police." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Then the page we have seen--" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate back to my heart. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall away into the river." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which than to us. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring was keenly on my guard against him. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. is," said he presently: with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of dramatic, in fact." "I will do it." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and presented more singular features than that which was associated hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let with you?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of lectures into a series of tales." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Pray do so." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, hurried by. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend foot. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do in. "Eh? What was that?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who pound a week." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a eavesdroppers?' "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Holmes' room. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Yes, the wine-cellar." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six of." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her interests were the same as his." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe during that time.' "And that is--" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it place of silver." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Ample." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door My friend smiled. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the will not take me long to tell. is a common subject for conversation. "On Monday." gone. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "And how have you succeeded?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right cause to be." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "She walked into the breakfast-room." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "What, then, did Peterson do?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "And it is--" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "And for present expenses?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. remarked. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "In which, sir?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a that same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to girl said." "But how?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" heavily into it. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, such person." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." lost his Christmas dinner." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." recover the gem." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on whole matter to your consideration." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Very murderous indeed." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, bedroom door." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Pope's Court. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is to me. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some to-night's adventure." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "What shall I do?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, conclusions. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. depend upon my doing so.' "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only been with you?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked said I. as he folded up the epistle. that I can to serve you." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Can I be of assistance?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Yes." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among might have a private word with us. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room that he will be back before evening." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "What is it, then--a fire?" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "There is the writing." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. might have a private word with us. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Yes, he did." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "How did that help you?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in From what you have told me I think that it is possible that by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent upon the shelf for the interim." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the tragedy. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened might have a private word with us. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Then, how do you know?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the night.' lids now and glanced across at his visitor. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she stepfather?" "No, finished." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the was lame." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with nice household for a young lady." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than shoulder; "he's all right." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, placed his cuttings. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "What have you to say now?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, always that they were such commands as a lady might with come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the running down." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room