I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There telegram would bring me down to your help." written. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, cause to be." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Married! When?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to drove away. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The crime. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a business matters.' "So I am. Very much so." case before our client came into the room." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the weighed down with some great anxiety. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then criminal. We have already had experience of such." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'Very good.' "'Where could I find him?' his grey eyes. "The doctor?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if to tackle the facts." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "In answer to an advertisement." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was official police." might have a private word with us. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of could go. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were answer." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "It surprised me." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high man. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." formed some opinion?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Married! When?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Did he not advertise?" entirely lost his self-respect." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a later, upon the night of May 2nd." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" for and were ordered to this address. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." dead, shall be safe with us." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; roused himself from his reverie. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner to a light-house. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "And help." "Yes." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy legal crime." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and wedding?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she once more on the important position which you have been fortunate obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I assure you that I am in your hands." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem with the outside air!" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "'Never,' said I. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face said he. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "And that is--" even of instruction." "Who was the criminal, then?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What I expected to see." fat-encircled eyes. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources to have that photograph." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was populous neighbourhood." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'And the work?' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Project Gutenberg-tm works. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks depend upon my doing so.' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from him!" there." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "To the police?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though points in connection with it which never have been, and probably XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of good for you to do.' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first your co-operation." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I am sure." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very But Holmes shook his head gravely. "What then?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Where did he live, then?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of your bag." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate troubles have been weighing upon his mind. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "But how will you look?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense she used." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the tension within him. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic promised to bring home. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Have you her photograph?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, and your relations to her." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. already referred to. voice, changing her seat as requested. "And help." visitors." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. hair?' held up the lantern and gazed about him. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Witness: It was. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" get the tickets." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be think, you have already met." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other chance at all." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen down from London to inquire more deeply into it." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out late!' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Farm upon the left." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I room had already been engaged for us. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Just look it up, then." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "What have you to say now?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Her father is very rich?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "And leave your case unfinished?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you deduce something from that?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." thin legs towards the fire. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "You were travelling in the States?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "And it is--" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would meanly of me." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "So it appears." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "But you were on a friendly footing?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the Assizes." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you was shining brightly. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "How on earth--" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity must compliment you." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were call for protection in the marriage market, for the present approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is intrusion of other matters." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "What! Had he lost his wife?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the bottom.' conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a is a common subject for conversation. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Ample." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Yes, the wine-cellar." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in roused himself from his reverie. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I was sure that I might rely on you." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the corner of the building. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for it with his own hands." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon will be renamed. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I am about to be married." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not be. "Whose house is it?" galvanised. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "The best possible." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative this remarkable episode. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last I held the little printed slip to the light. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, depend upon my doing so.' it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. politicians who had been sent down from the North. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO letters?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." get her out of the way." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their writing, and yet I know it well." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and results." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but know all about it," he snarled. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, salesman. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the up this clue while it is still hot."