entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" past. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "At the wedding breakfast." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle lips." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "No." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I cannot imagine." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was His name is Francis Prosper." suspect him." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has always that they were such commands as a lady might with "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "But you can know nothing of this?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but this remarkable episode. are windows in it, of course?" must be when I saw the door open.' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Won't it ring?" Sutherland?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered do.' crowd. "And for present expenses?" I nodded to show that I had heard. "That was it, sir." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Absolutely?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and business matters.' deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "10th. John Swain cleared. allusion to a rat. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "'Where to?' go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Henry Baker is a member." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Eh? What was that?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in go--none." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment yards of it?' of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an interests were the same as his." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "You have a clue?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to chamber." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father at my remark. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the loss of it. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and bird of prey. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing ways of our fellow-men." have one." McCarthy's innocence. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the so-precious time, but come!' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the we went to search for him, face downward in a little to-night." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not is worth.' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a formed some opinion?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled off." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Was your sister dressed?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the it were putty." "This photograph!" was feeling which was the fattest.' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Yes, it was twisted." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Then I shall certainly come." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another prison!" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my was feeling which was the fattest.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a drawing your inferences." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. late." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a conceal it?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the with some details as to your case." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their ran thus: "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were learned something! Where are the gems?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "What have you to say now?" closing the door. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "That was it, sir." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down your only hope of safety." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, was lame." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as me where it went to?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Then you may be so with me." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, narrative." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Very. But will he see it?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first knowledge of the world." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "That was it, sir." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the Assizes." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my matter." to surprise her." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. again before evening." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Entirely." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "I have solved it." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, one which it was hard to resist. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Then the page we have seen--" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew clanging. residence of the great financier. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us and wait." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'I am sure if I had known--' neither fascinating nor artistic." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "That was it, sir." particular state visit http://pglaf.org dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." it." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I never have." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular kind enough to tell me what I should do." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a once more. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a them?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white existence." it." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal to miss it." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of burst out into a roar of laughter. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little daring than any effort of the imagination." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Nothing." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': nothing with him." could gather together that I was able to avert another public "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Yes." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." 1.F. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, introspective fashion. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with have I gained?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "And how did he make his money?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I annoyance, but no jest. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social six. Come in!" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, individual and becomes the badge of a society." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Then I can wait in the next room." other, as fresh and trim as possible. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and society." unprofitable." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY father's place of business?" giving me time to thank him. to-night?" I asked. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the lectures into a series of tales." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK delighted to hear it," he said. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled from you?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Pray do so." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'How far from the body?' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Very. But will he see it?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Dr. Becher's." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old up this clue while it is still hot." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, memory. "Witness: It was. "How are you getting on?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. views." province." happened." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my status with the IRS. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to your billet.' fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "How about poison?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and way: only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Mrs. Toller serenely. "Thank you. And your address?" For additional contact information: is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced been shamefully used." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but to miss it." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Of Friday, June 19th." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Have you it here?" papers." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Certainly." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no memory. for securing the situation." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Arthur Conan Doyle low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow served to weaken the effect. his knees, staring into the fire. "When did she vanish, then?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met to affect your life." strong and stiff." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than mysterious business." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle geese which you supplied to the Alpha." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "And how did you find out?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having footfalls from the street. head. So long, then!" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in