"I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose 'please.'" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'And what salary do you ask?' madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Get out!" said he. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle it were putty." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy this remarkable episode. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "How long did she speak to this Alice?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the done what I asked you, Jones?" "My dear Holmes!" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in this man was intellectual?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'How far from the body?' active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Was there a secret marriage?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is there were so many in the whole country as were brought together possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "It is possible." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "The King of Scandinavia." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am mysterious business." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where gone. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "What can it mean?" I gasped. occupations.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." promised to bring home. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the good-night and bustled off upon her way. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Henry Baker is a member." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were him and tried to hold him back. digesting their breakfasts at home." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Yes." "Nothing." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "And what did you learn from him?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I cannot imagine." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" him nearly every evening." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than her also." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Yes, sir." written. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "It looks newer than the other things?" signal between you and your father? Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, allusion to a rat. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." III. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to vault. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in 'please.'" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. foot. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Who by?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "The landlord of the Alpha." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came suggested at once that there must be a communication between the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'There is a drive, then?' me. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of six. Come in!" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Mrs. Toller serenely. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "It came here." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Certainly." interest. They are important, you understand, without being plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I dead, shall be safe with us." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Edgeware Road. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "And from a noble client?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The retorted upon me, and I on you." his cane at the bell-pull. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Then the page we have seen--" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent It was close upon four before the door opened, and a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "'Certainly not.' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon companion imperturbably. "And I." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my man. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your this remarkable episode. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing pierced for earrings?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the room while you explain this matter?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "So I am. Very much so." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps a little more before I quite committed myself. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Do you go out much in society?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'Then let me do so?' "I do." "I don't say that. Perhaps." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" standing smiling on the door-step. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, some water from a caraffe. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of do." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "I will get her to show me." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper character. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Clair, of Lee." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to public press." "No, I had a dozen." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard bare slabs of marble. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a room had already been engaged for us. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Yes, I have one waiting." have an American origin." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous eat it." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any companion imperturbably. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. train.' had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you a few minutes he said that it would be all right. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between room?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was fuss that is made over them." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Yes, all." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an cigars in their mouths. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. observed. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his his cane at the bell-pull. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his were unconscious?" indeed which he could not unravel. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would conversation I have gathered that they have been married about convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. danger is over." Holmes' room. and capable of preserving a secret.' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, case-book, which he consulted. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I don't say that. Perhaps." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Eh? What was that?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done their singular warning or token before them when starting upon for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had empty. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I cannot tell." Miss Holder?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was together. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared it." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a if only as a check to my own memory." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the papers." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I never have." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "The doctor?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin me. You must get home instantly and act." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. to a light-house. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the stepfather?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed was it brought him the coronet? evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more here." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see foresight and the moral retrogression?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling it." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "I came to find a friend." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Awake, Watson?" he asked. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "You have a clue?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "'I am sure if I had known--' me where it went to?" your troubles." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course you?' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "When did she vanish, then?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let done what I asked you, Jones?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your was it brought him the coronet? to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce married her." "I see no marks." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after go from here to the Strand." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the so-precious time, but come!' before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "You think that he is dead?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp a very grave face. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to