them present such singular features as the strange train of is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "On the contrary, this is the right side." point in the dark hollow of his hand. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. on in his house." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. it right.' Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp in a friendly supper." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY once more. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, giving me time to thank him. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were south, for the country is more deserted there." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "And on what day did he meet his death?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the to you." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily trying to your nerves." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even in the port of London." "No, distinctly professional." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and footfalls from the street. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, hardly wander." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You saw the ventilator, too?" other lovers by making love himself." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly wife's character?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "'Certainly,' I answered. "Upon what point?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have know that the truth is known." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless bird I ate is country bred." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Holmes' thin, eager face. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, strong reason behind." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a should be so warm over such a trifle." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," examine." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the of receipt of the work. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him photograph?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears even so self-evident a thing as that." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your you understand?" should be taken.' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "No good news?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A call for it in person on Monday morning.' 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable very old mansion. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those me what he had done with the three missing stones. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were call you and give you the chance." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside straighten it?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle correct than the official force." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "You have a clue?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true weighed down with some great anxiety. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "So it appears." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City open." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the general public were present, then?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "That is not always so easy." examine." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "On your arm?" happened." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to present." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to learned something! Where are the gems?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism are windows in it, of course?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "What will you say?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Does that suggest anything?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the one as in the other." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story to-morrow." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works nonsense.' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "How did you deduce the select?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" will be renamed. "Nearly eleven." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that of the way of danger. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There knowledge of the world." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. said he. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in events, Mr. Windibank!" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no charge against him will break down." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your shoulder; "he's all right." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." his face. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, London for the present?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "The vanishing of the lady." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "But it has twice been burgled." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When you." you for a few hours?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen guilty one." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "I shall most certainly do so." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but there in twenty minutes." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't families. Now for the facts. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "The best possible." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of were new raised from a basin. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers What do you deduce from it?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite and the colonel ushered me in. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you to go into your room and bar your shutters?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a it were putty." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was when you have done it." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a amused." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, yourselves in at night?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord as yours." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: ceremony." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "And that is--" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "The vanishing of the lady." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. absorbing." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell in my life." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the dangers which encompass me." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "I promise," said Holmes. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I sit on the left-hand side of the driver." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable strong and stiff." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and it were putty." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for case-book, which he consulted. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the passage and a tap at the door. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella back into the street. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I thin legs towards the fire. leaning back in his chair. "By no means." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her mysterious business." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "That is easily got." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Certainly." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "How about poison?" face and glided from the room. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would *** START: FULL LICENSE *** been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp charged with?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps that smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once have an American origin." "The doctor?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a I think that I could be of assistance to you." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "The rest you will leave in our hands." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "He might." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "And now?" I asked. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when I shall communicate with you." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Eyford at 11:15.' reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows