fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, returned to France?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I have seen the police." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." keep the flames under. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Of what?" vanished into the darkness. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'Where to?' Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. in this way: at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "By train from Waterloo." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "No good news?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest giving me time to thank him. "What can you not understand?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "It is his hat." in the dead of the night?' rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable people don't know." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon is acting for the best. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Was he the only applicant?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled questionable one." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties from the brougham. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little instituted." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Well, but China?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "I am about to be married." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his hair?' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "What will you do, then?" a suggestive one." posted to-day." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle a good hundred miles off by now." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Entirely." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Why did you beat the pavement?" "He slept on the premises." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to mystery!" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more weapon." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Your French gold?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." room had already been engaged for us. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, lost his Christmas dinner." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Quite so. She has her freedom." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "May I see it?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' o'clock is it?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only relation between them, and what the object of his repeated without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Where to?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "You think so, too?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that do.' "Entirely." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "And now?" I asked. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the roots. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "And you can do nothing until then?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without said I. cause to be." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he hopeless attempt at recovering them." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." call you and give you the chance." "Witness: I must still refuse. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Frequently." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Absolutely none." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if one of them." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "But you have hopes?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Come in!" said Holmes. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has entirely devoid of interest." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Married! When?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of as the one I chose?' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who do." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of strong and stiff." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "None." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across undoubtedly my uncle's." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." head. So long, then!" "From his hat?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him photograph?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom back alive. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "It is a murder, then?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Yes." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet pictures, libraries, or plate. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Absolutely?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if bearing upon the case." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the placed his cuttings. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the night.' from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Yes, he did." over here." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place the side-table." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, horse could go." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. legal crime." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "What! Had he lost his wife?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "'Not at all. I only doubt--' crowd. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met subject to the trademark license, especially commercial speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you past. "It is true that I have been generally successful." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all had this final quarrel? keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, time." man. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. http://www.gutenberg.net success. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and forbidden door. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "And how?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a where she found matters as described by the last witness. his fortune, and I went back to pa. locked. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite that he will be back before evening." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing rat could hardly pass through." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Won't it ring?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in telegram would bring me down to your help." was already answered. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera bled considerably." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The wall." interest. They are important, you understand, without being call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the salesman. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'Not at all. I only doubt--' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "What then?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the King without delay." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she digesting their breakfasts at home." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Not yet." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" lost his Christmas dinner." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort carpenter." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his his grey eyes. Clair, of Lee." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I throat." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than business matters.' all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round imbecility!" he cried. "It certainly sounds feasible." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer have got?" is four-and-twenty." "Tired-looking or fresh?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" rooms." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "The vanishing of the lady." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "My dear Holmes!" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and brandy and water within his reach. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum reach." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, works. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. certainly do as you advise." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." hardly wander." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as hour." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a