happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may detained." "'Then let me do so?' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "From his hat?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. delirious. "Never to return." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I see no marks." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately call the police, let the police find what they can.' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out in the hope of finding them." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a would apply.' child?' on re-entering her father's house?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it *** START: FULL LICENSE *** last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of go--none." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "How on earth--" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, retorted upon me, and I on you." "Pray do so." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "What do you mean?" "Where, then, is my wife?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little in one or two places in England?' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" danger is over." "Do you go out much in society?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Why did you beat the pavement?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from excitement. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "But she could not love him." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing made him keep the appointment." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "It's nothing of the kind." "Seven!" I answered. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and all of them with the keenest interest. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the bottom.' "You know me, then?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "But his left-handedness." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of your troubles." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." conceal it?" client, rising. "'Then let me do so?' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "She walked into the breakfast-room." "My dear Holmes!" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a young Openshaw's." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I to tackle the facts." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to that paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal forehead. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the dear old homesteads?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "On the contrary, this is the right side." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low horse could go." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the our word." "And how?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "By no means." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "No, I had a dozen." gbnewby@pglaf.org wedding?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Then, how do you know?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Yes." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had way in." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. to-night?" I asked. eavesdroppers?' once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Then he might have called to you?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he it." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Well." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "About a month then." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my fattened it expressly for you.' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a grasp, he hurried from the room. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to for its centre. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square works. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "What are they?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Her father is very rich?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, seem to you to be relevant or not." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney imbecility!" he cried. with you alone." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "What, then, did Peterson do?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Then, how do you know?" "And help." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main door?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I will do it." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." page at http://pglaf.org the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already could not account in any way for the presence of the missing stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the and wait." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now me." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'There is a drive, then?' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg writing, and yet I know it well." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. chemical work which was so dear to him. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "What shall I do?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Pray tell us what has happened to you." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the very morning of the wedding." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I see no marks." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If ceremony." "None. Neville wrote those words." "You think that he is dead?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "My own seal." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project ventilator." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! something of him before." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of to some other building. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the station." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to death." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. past. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and inquire as to the address." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, entirely devoid of interest." case before our client came into the room." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "You don't mind breaking the law?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Texas, I think." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his present." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "The landlord of the Alpha." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Certainly." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay fact, we may call it conclusive." McCarthy." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a have established a very serious case against the son of the client, rising. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "What can it mean?" I gasped. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already there were so many in the whole country as were brought together spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." quite distinctive." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his to talk it over. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Leadenhall Street--and--" "My dear Holmes!" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Holmes' thin, eager face. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman IS "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. my room." "I am sure." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Of what day?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn hardly wander." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you before, for it was considerably after midnight. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these beyond words. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "You know me, then?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "What, then, did Peterson do?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he is a common subject for conversation. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with that, and I came down." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they call you and give you the chance." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "What, then, did Peterson do?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have was once confined in the cab my mission was practically departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder round and wave him away like that.' will he say when he returns?" October 9, 1890. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Munro.' Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, heavy and sharp instrument." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I stammered. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of campaign. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, outbreak?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Won't it ring?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I assure you that I am in your hands." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I present." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able green of the new foliage. vault. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Will you bet, then?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and been with you?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I am all attention, madam." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. felt?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "In answer to an advertisement." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help