to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address train from Paddington which would bring you there at about permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to him nearly every evening." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had interested in these little problems, and since you are good moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A colonel looking down at me. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage me. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see down. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of I shall continue with my miserable story. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so and shall probably return to London by the evening train." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "I will try. What is it?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the know that the truth is known." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who fishes. "None." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small nonsense.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of the devil!" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Then I am your man." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his villagers almost as much as their master. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "My photograph." became a certainty. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that was lame." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and meant it for the best. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I was afraid that you were engaged." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "My photograph." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I you?' If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, row." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and the colonel ushered me in. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent if only as a check to my own memory." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Come in!" said Holmes. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I again before evening." or in danger--" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his persecution?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to page at http://pglaf.org was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Your presence might be invaluable." "None." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Count Von Kramm." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have of your young ladies.' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman on in his house." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his to that open window." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "And I say east," said my patient. who was a member of your goose club." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "How can you tell that?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I guessed as much." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his cigar and let me expound." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can that he will be back before evening." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. go from here to the Strand." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other have been better. It is all right." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Edgeware Road. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without think that he is innocent?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel yet." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you round and wave him away like that.' "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "He said that you could solve anything." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged tightly behind him. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old pictures, libraries, or plate. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was waste of energy." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "And how did you find out?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the events than those which have happened in my own family." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining for securing the situation." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I would give my fortune to have them back." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went mysterious business." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "It is very clear." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" exactly what you advise." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it three fields round his house, and there he would take his a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the stable lane now." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "In the cells." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may residence of the great financier. some city in a dream. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I copied or distributed: "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who before, for it was considerably after midnight. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The child?' the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the warnings." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's vanished into the darkness. voice. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out is worth.' "And your mother is alive?" a suggestive one." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or as he remarks, very much against the son." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "None." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small a few minutes he said that it would be all right. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "An accident, I presume?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked against a man in the prime of life?" less than 26s. 4d. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Stoke Moran?" said he. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak very peculiar words of the dying woman?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "In what way?" asked Holmes. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see fluttered off among the others. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "What will you do, then?" "Did he not advertise?" strong and stiff." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "I am still in the dark." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! again, where I was soon asleep. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still stepfather?" "'As governess?' occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year see a sister of mine apply for." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the roots. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will bedroom door." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "I don't believe it." you want, then?' lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your is so. I know all about McCarthy." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring returned to France?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such away into the river." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "What then?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in bonnet, and went out." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given of note-paper. It read in this fashion: his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, matters immensely." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were a suggestive one." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'Yes, it was gone.' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? soul! here is her carriage at the door." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes just called myself is not exactly my own." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, my little problems." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "No, distinctly professional." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The The King stared at him in amazement. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the forehead. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. papers diligently of late, have you not?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this there when the Rucastles went away." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. strong and stiff." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the unkempt, staring out at me. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her maiden herself was most instructive." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover husband's writing, madam." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "None." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the dangers which encompass me." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back ran thus: "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Stolen, then." "No more words. Get out!" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. yet." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew do.' window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Nearly eleven." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "She walked into the breakfast-room." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" made his money." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal be sorry for having acted so harshly." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such