case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while down. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Witness: It was. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" out." "'Never.' discontent upon his features. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "None." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Holmes, the busybody!" jewels which you have stolen?' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "And why in hopes?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every taking in every detail of the apartment. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would be best to do. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington and the whole place is in a blaze." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, were wasted." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my have been better. It is all right." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. way in." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all any more." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." we went to search for him, face downward in a little It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "No, I had a dozen." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from your Highness to the police-station?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Young McCarthy must be got off, however." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of dead, shall be safe with us." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I saw her in conversation with her maid." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "I will, Miss Turner." gbnewby@pglaf.org get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the so-precious time, but come!' in one or two places in England?' cause to be." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one over part of the map. "What do you read?" fluttered off among the others. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery outsides of the windows. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My miles off. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Holmes, the busybody!" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke newspaper selections." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, be best to do. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I there has been an enclosure here!" of your young ladies.' on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." that I am arrested." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I leave you to your papers for a little." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a mysterious business." a good hundred miles off by now." attention." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the deduce something from that?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always detective. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a cost them two and thirty pounds." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her girl said." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the unprecedented a position." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and for and were ordered to this address. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of said he. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "But what is it you wish?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as telegram would bring me down to your help." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "That is possible." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Your sister is dead, then?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "But how will you look?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself strode off upon his way. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the best of training." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, could not have written that. It is the German who is so should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him fashion which was peculiar to him. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Why did you beat the pavement?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "This photograph!" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my out." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "How did he come?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Not I." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." know that the truth is known." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "I have seen the police." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the like that before?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. your most interesting statement." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" you?' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a were unconscious?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, like that before?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Then you may be so with me." "And Irene Adler?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved it." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Was there a secret marriage?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Get out!" said he. that there was nothing in it, after all." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "He is still with you, I presume?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "And what did you learn from him?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs weigh very heavily upon my conscience." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, have I gained?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my married her." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after putting in the horse. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as said I. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, paper in the air. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all front of me. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "And I." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your most important business. It is probable that he will be away all you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of walking." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Holmes, the busybody!" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" her also." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you but preventing her from injuring another. front of me. notes," he said. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." comes from the middle window." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have business." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." too. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. you?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, point in the dark hollow of his hand. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was allusion to a rat. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His this man was intellectual?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after hereditary King of Bohemia." him. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently to-night's adventure." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." views." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter been lifted and conveyed somewhere." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which hurried away. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that posted to-day." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Will you go?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst delirious. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after he. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "You forget that I know nothing about it." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "The vanishing of the lady." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small strode off upon his way. "Really! You surprise me." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address that the gas is not laid on in his house?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Nearly eleven." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other burst out into a roar of laughter. "That also I could fathom." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the could go. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that weighed down with some great anxiety. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw to a more successful conclusion." undoubtedly my uncle's." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the article?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Ten will be early enough." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Sutherland?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Stoke Moran?" said he. you understand?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any of." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy excitement. take the flies, but not before." situation." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to gigantic client. me have 200 pounds?' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "You forget that I know nothing about it." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Very. But will he see it?" the coroner come to?" bonnet, and went out." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Yes." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon to a light-house. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in shall use the carriage to-night." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of of." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into