they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "'Is 4 pounds a week.' returning from some small jollification and was making his way "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my flock.' "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in crowd. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Pray do so." of Mr. Rucastle's." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is open." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a face and glided from the room. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and occurred." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Miss Holder?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to to that open window." together. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." newspaper selections." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you think you a quite exceptional woman." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "None." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided business in the City. She little knew what. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle of the way of danger. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found I nodded to show that I had heard. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a during that time.' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon letters?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "No more words. Get out!" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. from the brougham. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "But you have hopes?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "And how did he make his money?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an said he. head. So long, then!" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank touch that coronet?' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Then, as to money?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs unkempt, staring out at me. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring beyond words. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall approach us with offers to donate. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "9th. McCauley cleared. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of meant it for the best. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I think that it is very probable." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "What!" he roared. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I to you." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave should be so warm over such a trifle." character. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into since then to throw any light upon what became of him." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Mary, has deserted me." 11:15.' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the them?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, which was all perfectly true. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which night.' said he. "A client, then?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the went to the Alpha were town bred." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, cost them two and thirty pounds." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when make me his representative both with the servants and with the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were place, I think that there is good ground to think that the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Will you bet, then?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy gigantic client. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "How about poison?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Entirely." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry be.' opportunities to fix the problem. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You present." "What is it?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted how narrow had been my escape. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who stalked out of the room. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' three of the beryls in it, was missing. the best of training." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his all?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "To an English lawyer named Norton." like gravel from a pit.' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, good-night and bustled off upon her way. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each meant." "Then the page we have seen--" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the a room. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached since then to throw any light upon what became of him." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair morning." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind in your London, you will know that the office of the company is glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was at my remark. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon me." "None." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set skylight. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "From his hat?" "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "And sit in the dark?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Do you go out much in society?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if in the port of London." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." fear." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a very morning of my second wedding." "And for present expenses?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "In San Francisco, a year ago." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He sparkled upon his finger. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Have you her photograph?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in some water from a caraffe. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I you want, then?' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. served to weaken the effect. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord know what is wrong with it.' And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Did your wife hear all this?" "Of what?" despaired of." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and all of them with the keenest interest. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "How can you tell that?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Is he quiet?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not relief. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "But how did you gain them?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Heh?' opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little The summons was a brief and urgent one. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said wedding?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our was feeling which was the fattest.' beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I guessed as much." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the south-west, I see." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "'And what salary do you ask?' sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "And what did you learn from him?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right even so self-evident a thing as that." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments late!' American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." three of the beryls in it, was missing. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Yes, the wine-cellar." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and more solid." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Pray do so." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "What will you do, then?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, lips." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for carried out of court." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good you understand?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black hand, madam?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version him. "Quite so. She has her freedom." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing of this gang." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the stable lane now." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "An enemy?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you that I am arrested." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a rooms." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, yards of it?' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two and wait." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House