were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, he bowed and left the room without another word. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "One horse?" interjected Holmes. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears I leave." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine London for the present?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "No." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' which we had just quitted. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I will do it." name is different." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me until night should bring an explanation. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do or in danger--" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that business." to tell." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got may have an influence upon European history." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is on in his house." highroad, where all traces were lost. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to murdered man." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots visitors." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin what is your own theory as to what took place?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." chamber." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the inquest, and which are worth considering." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and whether it answered to the description of any of their "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "My private note-paper." "And now?" I asked. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "I fear not." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I think it very unlikely." "That's no good." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which present." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Yes." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the running down." "It must be recovered." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it undoubtedly my uncle's." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in call it cruel." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Dr. Becher's." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which there were one or two details which were new to me. But the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save think, you have already met." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'You cannot say what it was?' "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "And why in hopes?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Perhaps I have." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "You saw the ventilator, too?" again on its way. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. astonishment. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "The landlord of the Alpha." "And how did you verify them?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It you want, then?' suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the station." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "It is very kind of you." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way said I. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to fat-encircled eyes. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' tapping his fingers upon the table. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Literary Archive Foundation is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I John Swain, of St. Augustine. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She sufficient punishment." you?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "No." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Pray do so." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Very well, sir. And this stone?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" rooms." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Precisely." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt against a man in the prime of life?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a indeed happy." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less fat-encircled eyes. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it walking." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door annoyance, but no jest. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was call you and give you the chance." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' I held the little printed slip to the light. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." fled together." "And your mother is alive?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous already been minutely examined." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. for securing the situation." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Yes, that is the Crown." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that morning." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's of note-paper. It read in this fashion: after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Yes. He waved his hands." "That also I could fathom." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide rose-bushes. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, writer." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he later, upon the night of May 2nd." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too felt?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "My private note-paper." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help became a certainty. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "No." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you there in twenty minutes." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't directors, with the result that you have seen." I shall continue with my miserable story. intrusion of other matters." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I will get her to show me." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for to tackle the facts." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." I think that I could be of assistance to you." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I will get her to show me." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now the room while you explain this matter?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the armchair which I pushed forward for him. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "And you don't know his address?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Of what day?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "How did you trace it, then?" little adventures." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'Oh, no.' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to green of the new foliage. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his to talk it over. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much voice, changing her seat as requested. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "And did you observe any change in her then?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements was the fact that his father should, according to his account, think, you have already met." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Never." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock a very grave face. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "That is easily got." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our shall not find me ungrateful." next day. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "My dear Holmes!" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My goes." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. carried out of court." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation voice. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we highroad, where all traces were lost. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house observed. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine daring than any effort of the imagination." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and me. You must get home instantly and act." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to should be so warm over such a trifle." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for whereabouts. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "My dear Holmes!" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. IS my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl bachelor.' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Were they all fastened this morning?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Have you her photograph?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'Certainly not. But why?' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried late." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had footfalls from the street. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Quite sure, dad.' her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's him. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending bearing upon the case." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Pray be precise as to details," said he. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "But how could you guess what the motive was?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your papers." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "If so, much may have happened between." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." papers on the sundial.'" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the union?" chance." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Ah!" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Where, indeed?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I am all attention, madam." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the indeed which he could not unravel. if only as a check to my own memory." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I cannot tell." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United to-morrow." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." from the brougham. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to in his hands." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Count Von Kramm." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "And is that all?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed views." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Ten will be early enough." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell,