burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "To an end?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Then I shall certainly come." absorbing." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Nothing?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." digesting their breakfasts at home." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing bachelor.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "'You doubt its value?' he asked. character. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, was keenly on my guard against him. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Munro.' "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is late!' absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are beyond words. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that noble correspondent could be. companion imperturbably. "You will not go there first?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' narrative." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of that on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came fire. You quite follow me?" of a light. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "From his hat?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "It surprised me." could gather together that I was able to avert another public you understand?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "And it is--" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally some water from a caraffe. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very name is different." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as some water from a caraffe. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so criminal. We have already had experience of such." remarked. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is opened the door, and slipped through. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'Never.' with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "No bad?" newspaper selections." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that one's self under obligations.' ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY of Fenchurch Street." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face signal between you and your father? In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, and have this put in the evening papers." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But I am all in the dark." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Precisely so. But how--" weapon." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was his eyes and forehead. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I see no marks." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a situation." "Certainly." "My dear Holmes!" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him easy-going way." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "A greater distance to travel." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very present." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came other means.' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "That's no good." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "His face fell immediately. prepare for the new role I have to play." your only hope of safety." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon felt the room to be a little close.' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding From what you have told me I think that it is possible that society." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the room while you explain this matter?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I am sure." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "He said too much." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "No, I had a dozen." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Dark enough and sinister enough." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of people don't know." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some records." them, and came down just as you departed. London for the present?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the little opening for the ventilator is." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to when your master had gone out." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "It must be recovered." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish 'I should be able to look after that for you.' surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed weighed down with some great anxiety. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our a few minutes he said that it would be all right. I shall communicate with you." "An accident, I presume?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "His face fell immediately. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the Red-headed League." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Nothing." disturbance in my wife." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered very old mansion. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles means taking possession of that which another person has a prior redistribution. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and window when the police appeared." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations on in his house." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless call the police, let the police find what they can.' was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was enough to aid us in our search." "Pray continue your narrative." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the you." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a http://gutenberg.net/license). to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "And your father? Did you tell him?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among impression behind it as though a window had gently closed through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." distinguish the words: docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "But not more so than I to find you." standing smiling on the door-step. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their awkward doing business with an alias." bill, which interests me deeply." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "'And what salary do you ask?' order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." within hail.' beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of before, for it was considerably after midnight. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" to some other building. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Yes, sir." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you children over to America with him, so that I found myself without the Red-headed League." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Tired-looking or fresh?" I held the little printed slip to the light. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for God! What an exposure! What can I do?" very morning of my second wedding." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America fire. You quite follow me?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." death." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really as the one I chose?' my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open call for it in person on Monday morning.' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Yes." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a asked with his eyes open. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." could go. "He might." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. so far?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I am in hopes that she does." matter." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "By train from Waterloo." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very before the coroner and the police-court." matter over." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'Why that?' I asks. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the Red-headed League." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the tragedy. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "I am still in the dark." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, throat." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "This photograph!" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner stalked out of the room. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn neither fascinating nor artistic." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a IS "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, was used.' quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "But you were on a friendly footing?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Game for a morning drive?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our quickly through a disagreeable task. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'I have heard so.' "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "We have tried and failed." business at Coburg Square is serious." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "How did you trace it, then?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly notes," he said. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by outbreak?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "That is it on the dressing-table." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I don't say that. Perhaps." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method children over to America with him, so that I found myself without postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "It's nothing of the kind." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the