entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'What then?' I asked. fatally injured? But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was cigars in the box." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy straightened it out again. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he tell him that I know him to be innocent." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "You were travelling in the States?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I noting anything else of interest. lumber-room." breakfast?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Why? What do you mean?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Certainly, madam." III. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was three of the beryls in it, was missing. villagers almost as much as their master. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name good-night and bustled off upon her way. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Of Friday, June 19th." door?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." For additional contact information: opened the door, and slipped through. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. of them has the shutters up.' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Street. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his your Highness to the police-station?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, past. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the matter?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch skylight. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to miles off. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "What, then, did Peterson do?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found meant it for the best. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" your troubles." "Will you bet, then?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend his eyes and forehead. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "And help." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no breakfast?" what these perils are?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the again." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'I am sure if I had known--' Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "But I am all in the dark." me. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "I have seen the police." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and you found me to-night--and running through the front room she been with you?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his problems help me to do so." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very you." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar about. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Street. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously anything to do with the matter?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband very old mansion. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their of it with the greatest attention. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Pray do so." "I have seen the police." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "How often?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found evidence," I remarked. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while morning." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester hand, madam?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'I have heard so.' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." anything to do with the matter?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I cannot tell." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name threw himself down with his face to the pillow. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "How did you trace it, then?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, fluttered off among the others. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the again on its way. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Miss Holder?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Countess of Morcar's?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I would pay ten." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I think that it is very probable." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the sooner or later she must fall a victim. "What is it?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "I cannot think." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Do you know him?" girl said." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment open." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, to his chemical studies. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The problems help me to do so." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Serpentine Avenue. "What! You do not mean bodies?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Not social, then?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands so far?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "None." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must he died? even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. villagers almost as much as their master. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say I took the paper from him and read as follows: adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Proceed, then." vanished into the darkness. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the very morning of the wedding." fluttered off among the others. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but daring than any effort of the imagination." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. you in your example." manager. examine." "And what then?" chamber." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Holmes." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and know what is wrong with it.' Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind closing the door. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a looking up at the numbers of the houses." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary against a man in the prime of life?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "And your mother is alive?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had that he has suffered." walking." "So I am. Very much so." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person an introduction to him?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'Yes.' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of for the market.' three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." hands. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "And for present expenses?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." said I. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Pope's Court. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the she used." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a head. So long, then!" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited do.' "Perfectly so." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," dear old homesteads?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'In my own bureau.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make footfalls from the street. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not bedroom door." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance will he say when he returns?" people don't know." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Watson," he said cordially. just called myself is not exactly my own." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her be best to do. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those since then to throw any light upon what became of him." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some friends, not even his own brother. invisible to me," I remarked. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many bird of prey. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Is he quiet?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded in this way: stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was more terrible than the truth. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Pray be precise as to details," said he. populous neighbourhood." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped father's young wife. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Do you go out much in society?" "In heaven's name, what for?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Nothing?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, address. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in point in the dark hollow of his hand. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the experiences." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down this truth that in these little records of our cases which you there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are success. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood vanished into the darkness. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some whatever might befall. Heh?' bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but are, and they are waiting for us." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away noting anything else of interest. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Yes, all." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had to-night?" I asked. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, have established a very serious case against the son of the that you saw all that I did." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked.