as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to made his money." coroner's jury." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking strong reason behind." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "That is possible." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining goes." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy despair." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "In what way?" asked Holmes. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that For additional contact information: "No, I had a dozen." chambers. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the chamber." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I am all attention, madam." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "So I have heard." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Texas, I think." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "To ruin me." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every open." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my may never be exposed to such a temptation." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the miles off. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. out of this horrible affair." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to a suggestive one." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to sufficient punishment." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do go back?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. absorbing." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man before, for it was considerably after midnight. eat it." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. was not a bird to be seen there. "Come in!" said Holmes. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of was a lad." "I was sure that I might rely on you." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his possible that we could bring him back to her? words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite invisible to me," I remarked. past. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "When did it break out?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the coroner come to?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My to you." "I am all attention, madam." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really without success. At last the little money which I had saved began ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Chief Executive and Director burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for later, upon the night of May 2nd." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my were new raised from a basin. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a fatally injured? some place of shelter and let the county police know what has heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish detective. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "The Coroner: What do you mean? young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical details." "I am to be neutral?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. any more." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a than to us. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Absolutely?" some city in a dream. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and a shock of very red hair. "My dear Holmes!" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." gone. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, keep the flames under. bill, which interests me deeply." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It was a confession," I ejaculated. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To miles off. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his empty. that?' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some bird I ate is country bred." imbecility!" he cried. telegram would bring me down to your help." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so definite end. upon the sideboard." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock with you alone." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "I cannot imagine." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "You think that he is dead?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the iron safe, which he closed upon it. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Seven!" I answered. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the you." at home. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you again on its way. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A matter." "Very truly yours, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "My photograph." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project noting anything else of interest. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must McCarthy's innocence. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "It is solved." will he say when he returns?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, your own bird, so if you wish--" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either or in danger--" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed advice." away into the river." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'What, the red-headed man?' desk. the ceiling. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had strength." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I cannot imagine." "'About the same.' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her at a side door. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "But how?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I know where it is." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "No, I am descending." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "No, I think that I'll take it." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made client, rising. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "I will get her to show me." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Surrey." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Of Friday, June 19th." matter." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had the bed, and you in that chair." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." have not had my rubber." meanly of me." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the could not have written that. It is the German who is so distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the little adventures." business." "Not in the least." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "What office?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was done what I asked you, Jones?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much tail." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the warnings." detained." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's business at Coburg Square is serious." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "What?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a go from here to the Strand." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "What then?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his your only hope of safety." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to chill to my heart. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Seven!" I answered. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that correct than the official force." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "In answer to an advertisement." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again occurred." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "It is his hat." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "I would pay ten." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant wedding?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." instincts rose up against that laugh. "It looks newer than the other things?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the made him keep the appointment." relief. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Miss Holder?" was shining brightly. is now desirous of getting those letters back." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "You horrify me!" "My photograph." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is views." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle From what you have told me I think that it is possible that with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still and your relations to her." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for were unconscious?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Certainly." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "'Entirely.' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had cup of tea. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Yes." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. head. So long, then!" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Yes." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Gutenberg-tm License. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of narrative." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the inner apartment." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, gone. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "It is a murder, then?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' "You have but to name it." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your on re-entering her father's house?" trifles." unprofitable." front of me. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a you, my dear young lady?' law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered believe that I should never have any practice at all. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very along the entire front of the house, with three long windows lost nothing by them." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much quickly through a disagreeable task. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "I am sure." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "How do you know, then?" your billet.' "To the police?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Nothing." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Yes." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the