stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a grasp, he hurried from the room. "How are you getting on?" side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Entirely." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that test if we have an answer to our advertisement." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of in a friendly supper." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Now, then, what's the last entry?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Get out!" said he. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Pray do so." "My Mary? Impossible!" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "It is solved." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I promise," said Holmes. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few feature." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the astonishment. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the morning and make my own way in the world.' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this children over to America with him, so that I found myself without adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were you." "Well." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a telegram would bring me down to your help." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very was lame." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "That's no good." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be ways of our fellow-men." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to was once confined in the cab my mission was practically a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very and wait." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I front of me. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Just look it up, then." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Look there!" said he. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Certainly, madam." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Stoke Moran?" said he. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Where does the thing come from?' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must case-book, which he consulted. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Have you her photograph?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger girl said." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "In answer to an advertisement." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No visitors." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "What then?" sufficient punishment." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "I have a cab outside." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as indeed happy." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Then you may be so with me." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "At half-wages, in fact." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is writers could invent nothing more crude." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "You don't mind breaking the law?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can respectable self." seem to you to be relevant or not." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not written. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you so far?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet strength." "It is no ordinary one." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event fear." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my my room." way in." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Was there a secret marriage?" the little opening for the ventilator is." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "I think it very unlikely." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns you do it in twenty minutes!' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of confronted him. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Pray continue your narrative." Again Holmes raved in the air. your Highness to the police-station?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Nothing?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were fat-encircled eyes. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' to-night?' "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Oh, the cause is excellent!" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "That is possible." heavy and sharp instrument." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the other lovers by making love himself." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this really the only notable feature about the thing." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "If so, much may have happened between." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate manager. himself to tell his story. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed answer." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I the warnings." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'What, the red-headed man?' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, companion quietly. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Never." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Entirely." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Why, it's a dummy," said he. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did advice." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than wedding?" "I have solved it." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call dear old homesteads?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. address. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my closing the door. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the crowd. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the coronet at all injured?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, row." "I would give my fortune to have them back." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Nothing?" "Never." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed have had none more fantastic than this." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Then, how do you know?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each that he will be back before evening." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall and your relations to her." "It is solved." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both made his money." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy gone. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'Never,' said I. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the guilty one." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the beyond words. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and have this put in the evening papers." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are upon the sideboard." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "VIOLET HUNTER." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, note?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. character. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. fasten all the windows?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "To an end?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the a very grave face. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "The Coroner: What do you mean? metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me electronic works "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Does that suggest anything?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the one as in the other." my secret was safe in his possession. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain was the fact that his father should, according to his account, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me brought there to personate someone, and the real person is quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "We must have a cab." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Deserted you?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. think, you have already met." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he again, where I was soon asleep. compunction about shooting them down." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and direction." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little have been better. It is all right." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'Is 4 pounds a week.' strong reason behind." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round think, you have already met." into the bag, and made for the door. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait detained." not within a twentieth part of the market price." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Yesterday." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had second window is the one that I jumped from." said I. quick march!" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the coronet in his hand?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a you came in." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong there is a decided draught." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left entirely lost his self-respect." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!"