from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the locked." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird train.' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at to take care of herself." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he noise which awoke you from your sleep?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I frequently gained my first real insight into the character of to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in what do you think they found in the pockets?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "That is not always so easy." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'Where to?' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier some city in a dream. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that know what is wrong with it.' "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, eavesdroppers?' and laid it on the table. business in the City. She little knew what. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Witness: It was. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Well." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is works. See paragraph 1.E below. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, to me. roused himself from his reverie. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of dates and names. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Young McCarthy must be got off, however." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "What are they?" "And why?" "Breckinridge is his name." "Very much so." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the have got?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Could he throw no light?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an skylight. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "And how have you succeeded?" "Yes." that you wished to speak to me?' wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "My dear Holmes!" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its noble correspondent could be. "I guessed as much." tear off another piece?' brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white confronted him. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "But who is he?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired again, where I was soon asleep. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Pray do so." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. bears upon the case?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Pray continue your narrative." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "What! a murderous attack?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked he bowed and left the room without another word. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove American. Then who could this American be, and why should he wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Not yet." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I am following you closely," I answered. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his out." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "'I have already given you my word.' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Of what?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Just look it up, then." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." round and wave him away like that.' "It missed him, then?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Where did he live, then?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised nights." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square again." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at narrative." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" daring than any effort of the imagination." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Holmes." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a heavily into it. gone before you can get him to hospital." that I can to serve you." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "And what then?" persecution?" carried out of court." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in visitors." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "But you were on a friendly footing?" flock.' glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he man. I know him from the photograph." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and were new raised from a basin. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the morning." himself. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to developed." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I shall be delighted." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Ample." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "You have the photograph?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "It must be recovered." what is your own theory as to what took place?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope yet." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his digesting their breakfasts at home." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an other lovers by making love himself." "Was he the only applicant?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way distinguish the words: of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in comes from the middle window." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I have hopes." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand colour had been driven from his face. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "You will not go there first?" "No. What a strange idea!" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be shall not find me ungrateful." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Quite so. She has her freedom." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "And why?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our everything which you would wish to know." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "But how will you look?" fled together." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "'Never,' said I. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into think that he is innocent?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon shag which I had seen upon the previous night. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had was a lad." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps papers on the sundial.'" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Yes, that is the Crown." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of death." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom must be when I saw the door open.' At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was used to be." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all acted in my house last night?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, walking." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that indeed which he could not unravel. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul introspective fashion. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking galvanised. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the key turn in the lock." "To an English lawyer named Norton." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a notes," he said. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his know what is wrong with it.' "But his left-handedness." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence because she had spent so short a time in this country that she take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to individual and becomes the badge of a society." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away Lee, in the county of Kent." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Yes?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." eat it." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Upon what point?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Pray continue your narrative." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "That is possible." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "How do you know, then?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" ran thus: back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her and put his glass in his pocket. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil lips." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." narrative." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I public press." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who together. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the so-precious time, but come!' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "None." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon fact, we may call it conclusive." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I been." I am not easy in my mind about them." garden below. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of fish-monger and a tide-waiter." said he. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. manager. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Could he throw no light?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "No, my brougham is waiting." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "How did you trace it, then?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "You think that he is dead?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "No, I had a dozen." absorbing." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Your French gold?" were new raised from a basin. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Of Friday, June 19th." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "The vanishing of the lady." "'Stolen!' he cried. sofa. This way, please!" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Will you go?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind,"