the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own obstinate." of a light. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two begun to whiten, even as mine has." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the started for the Temple to see my husband. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "But his lameness?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I locked. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a forebodings. you." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that means taking possession of that which another person has a prior your billet.' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come cigars in their mouths. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining hour." "Then, as to money?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "The vanishing of the lady." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Then the page we have seen--" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Yes, at the mines." "Then I can wait in the next room." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "At half-wages, in fact." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I hurried away. "Well, it is a possible supposition." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "What, then, did Peterson do?" possible that we could bring him back to her? pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that them?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and do." young Openshaw's." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning singular points about the case. What did the police think of the so far?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out married her." power." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, as he remarks, very much against the son." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "And why?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Sholtos." woman." discontent upon his features. "No." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was when you have done it." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an secret." learned something! Where are the gems?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "You have the photograph?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his events, Mr. Windibank!" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, thought that she would have been so carried away." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "But what will you do?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" I was concerned in it." "Look there!" said he. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish not as remarkable as your advertisement." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the and the colonel ushered me in. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, in the dead of the night?' heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, for and were ordered to this address. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and walking." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have straightened it out again. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the general public were present, then?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and felt the room to be a little close.' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Then you may be so with me." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My question. "Was the window open?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door done what I asked you, Jones?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but searched, without anything being found which could incriminate husband's writing, madam." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some with the outside air!" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with forebodings. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Yes, he did." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a disappearance of these gems?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up strength in the others." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Yes." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "And how did he make his money?" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the later, upon the night of May 2nd." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I troubles have been weighing upon his mind. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon appeal." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "My own seal." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "The King of Scandinavia." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his conclusions. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through with you?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. friends, not even his own brother. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the to-night." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my crackling voice. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the side-table." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far made him keep the appointment." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, there when the Rucastles went away." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "And now?" He raised his hand. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the reach." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You humiliation." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all his face. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. said he. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four eavesdroppers?' "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some His name is Francis Prosper." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. whereabouts. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'Certainly not. But why?' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying For additional contact information: "He is still with you, I presume?" here." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Mary, has deserted me." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Yes, from Horsham." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every 11:15.' found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, nice household for a young lady." This is what he says: from the brougham. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It in a friendly supper." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his this poor creature." me. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to know all about it," he snarled. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small crime. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, beg that you will break it off." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Dirty?" cigars in the box." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "The Coroner: What do you mean? which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "What office?" late!' equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time me what he had done with the three missing stones. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "An enemy?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" closely." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "None." everything which you would wish to know." "But how?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "So I have heard." to surprise her." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid waste of energy." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "But how will you look?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Mary, has deserted me." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and his face. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. like that before?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally that he will be back before evening." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us John Swain, of St. Augustine. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "'Never,' said I. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years suddenly upon us." think that any burglar could have done. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts would apply.' "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again better grown goose." Chief Executive and Director some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Why serious?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Watson," he said cordially. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I have I gained?" was lame." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "What, then?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest other lovers by making love himself." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat whether it answered to the description of any of their hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. other lovers by making love himself." experiences." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "He said that you could solve anything." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and yourselves in at night?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is for and were ordered to this address. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' despair." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the my friend's incisive reasoning. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR amused." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Holmes rather sternly. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly was a perfect sample of the class.