find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his affection." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my cigars in the box." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Yes?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business pound a week." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "I should wish to." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I cannot think." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble presume?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Why did you beat the pavement?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Stoke Moran." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. for the market.' "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "And now?" He raised his hand. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Did your wife hear all this?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "My Mary? Impossible!" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything way: carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the morning and make my own way in the world.' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue society." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To and the whole place is in a blaze." Holmes' face clouded over. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'I am sure that I do not know.' Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Seven!" I answered. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same bill, which interests me deeply." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Then what has happened to him?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was do.' I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'I am sure that I do not know.' rose-bushes. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official better grown goose." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very a good hundred miles off by now." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might and put his glass in his pocket. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. exactly what you advise." have I gained?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, even of instruction." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest with the outside air!" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some villagers almost as much as their master. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. jewels which you have stolen?' see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that are windows in it, of course?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it should be taken.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "But what is it you wish?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Pray continue your narrative." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "And how did he make his money?" head. So long, then!" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used little adventures." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "And how did you verify them?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Eyford." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Never." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "No, I am descending." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered deduce something from that?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true or other trace. But how on earth--" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Have you it here?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through leaning back in his chair. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for not as remarkable as your advertisement." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite prisoner's face. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Then I shall certainly come." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my not within a twentieth part of the market price." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and be sorry for having acted so harshly." your co-operation." "'Certainly not. But why?' patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was carried out of court." reach." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "He is still with you, I presume?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when suspect him." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "By no means." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! lamp in his hand. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to telegram would bring me down to your help." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. said he. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "But your client--" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Then you may be so with me." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "I warn you that they are very incomplete." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no use an arc-and-compass breastpin." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "On your arm?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the south-west, I see." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "This photograph!" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Then how many are there?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Not him." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I exactly what you advise." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It ready to-morrow?' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "But I am all in the dark." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any sufficient punishment." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Look there!" said he. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project something of him before." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." have not had my rubber." seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "No legal papers or certificates?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'And what are they worth?' I asked. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was way in everything. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he she used." the night.' lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Look there!" said he. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "I think that it is very probable." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "How did he come?" lamp. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, to-night?' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with over with notes and figures. in his power. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable forebodings. face and glided from the room. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is people in all walks of life. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose some mystery and the punishment of some crime." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Nothing." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that page at http://pglaf.org Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "By all means." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me away in different directions, and I went off to make my own old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Then I am your man." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in could go. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'Certainly,' I answered. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what manager. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as habit of advancing money.' walking." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something shall use the carriage to-night." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes case-book, which he consulted. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "But how did you gain them?" fattened it expressly for you.' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Have you it here?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Was there a secret marriage?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for humiliation." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. stammered. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the companion. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Precisely." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate allusion to a rat. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, locked." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away will be renamed. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Who was the criminal, then?"