adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." the stones. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from ashen face. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Farm upon the left." thirty. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "So I have heard." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "You have but to name it." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "We must sit without light. He would see it through the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of The events in question occurred in the early days of my entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "By no means." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "That is easily got." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "How do you know, then?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent this man was intellectual?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Yes, sir.' with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "What steps will you take?" I asked. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from she has been waylaid. There has been no result." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "By no means." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'About the same.' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly of your young ladies.' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Ha! you find it so?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the inner apartment." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are sufficient punishment." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "But the mystery?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "At half-wages, in fact." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Dark enough and sinister enough." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Perhaps I have." door?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his keep the flames under. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check in the dead of the night?' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I don't say that. Perhaps." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Not yet." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning any." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six certainly do as you advise." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other assist you in forming an opinion." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely outside." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before instituted." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened been with you?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "The best possible." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with that I am arrested." knowledge of the world." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is writing, and yet I know it well." following enigmatical notices: have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I cannot imagine." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back as noiselessly as she had come. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "But how will you look?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Of what day?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Perhaps we may make them less so." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." questioning and rather startled gaze. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the works. See paragraph 1.E below. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open about. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless or other trace. But how on earth--" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See morning." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together answer." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Ha! you find it so?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Ah!" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew only touch the interest." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by you." breakfast." "Did you become engaged then?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very do you make of it all?" better grown goose." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while fishes. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion was lame." this Miss Turner." telegram would bring me down to your help." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the side-table." to me. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, better grown goose." "Frequently." "And on what day did he meet his death?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and go--none." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house presented which may be striking and bizarre without being already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "No legal papers or certificates?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Then the page we have seen--" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a to-night's adventure." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "'Is 4 pounds a week.' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me a room. "Yes." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Then I do not see the point." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their me what he had done with the three missing stones. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Then I can wait in the next room." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite him!" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the shaken than I had ever seen him. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "In heaven's name, what for?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered advice." meant." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative pressing in one house as in another. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the stones. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step that you wished to speak to me?' high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the His name is Francis Prosper." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, his grey eyes. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an weary and pale-looking. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once directors have had misgivings upon the subject." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the congenial hunt. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of what do you think they found in the pockets?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "What then?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had detained." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must with the outside air!" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do with you?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "I would pay ten." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in dear old homesteads?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Imitated." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and invisible to me," I remarked. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, congenial hunt. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that your sleep?' discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to copied or distributed: wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid something of him before." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I don't say that. Perhaps." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "But your client--" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when introspective fashion. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the envelope. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the get the tickets." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. fluttered off among the others. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "What, then?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Doctor, of the paper and the date." awkward doing business with an alias." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to your bag." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Dr. Gregory B. Newby the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may companion. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable noise which awoke you from your sleep?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have little trying to do so much typewriting?" not, dad?" she asked. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "ARAT," I read. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "But to whom?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "9th. McCauley cleared. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to is," said he presently: you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Certainly." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "What of the rat, then?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the asked. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Then, as to money?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Really! You surprise me." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, out of this horrible affair." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "I will not look." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "No, distinctly professional." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of formed some opinion?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been upon an income of about 60 pounds." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided