that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I fattened it expressly for you.' "No." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "But of what society?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "And how have you succeeded?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given had formerly been in part my own. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Was there a secret marriage?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, to Leatherhead. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. bird of prey. "Ten will be early enough." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie empty. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "We must have a cab." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Was he the only applicant?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he been deceived." ordinary clothes on?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'Yes.' and all of them with the keenest interest. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I opened the door, and slipped through. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, once more. "No." seem to you to be relevant or not." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "My private note-paper." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with tied." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Then, how do you know?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "And what then?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. help us in this matter." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I am about to be married." "Ten will be early enough." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "I am still in the dark." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too vague figure huddled up in the darkness. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, that I am arrested." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" affair. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the assist you in forming an opinion." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked envelope. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "And how did you find out?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim narrative." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Ten to two.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, obstinate." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of forehead. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "What shall I do?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental for securing the situation." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the night.' you." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped detained." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "And how have you succeeded?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "But he might be a bachelor." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was upon the sideboard." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if believe that I should never have any practice at all. detective. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It notes," he said. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a of Mr. Rucastle's." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan rat could hardly pass through." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Then I do not see the point." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the wall." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your tail." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the over here." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: that you can jump it.' a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My more solid." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide he bowed and left the room without another word. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." absorbing." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to whatever might befall. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." entirely lost his self-respect." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the house with me." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I don't believe it." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "The doctor?" to his chemical studies. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Why did you pick him?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. an introduction to him?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded brain must have something in it." that?' "I was sure that I might rely on you." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Clair, of Lee." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Not in the least." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "No." instituted." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice which we had just quitted. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless it." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, felt the room to be a little close.' "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. of the one which your family is now devouring." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said already referred to. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "This photograph!" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Serpentine Avenue. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was bell. Holmes whistled. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Precisely." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in shall not find me ungrateful." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Perfectly so." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the Red-headed League." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Project Gutenberg-tm works. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. purpose of examination. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a garden below. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, indiscretion." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of he bowed and left the room without another word. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "'Never,' said I. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "And now?" I asked. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough to that open window." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire main points of my analysis." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "It is solved." later, upon the night of May 2nd." before, for it was considerably after midnight. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than any." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, his face. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I see many objections to any such theory." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is wedding?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a something of him before." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the occurred." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever wedding?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the that he has suffered." this unhappy family?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor interest. They are important, you understand, without being to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, woven round him. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some signal between you and your father? quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "I am about to be married." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Yes." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Bought." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "A greater distance to travel." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "What office?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself ready to-morrow?' already referred to. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly hour?' now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "And the murderer?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers go from here to the Strand." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, nonsense.' "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a tell them apart.' "What of the rat, then?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to