had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much arrangements." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get notes," he said. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Who was the criminal, then?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the friend's singular character. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. letters?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed shall use the carriage to-night." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through purpose equally well?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a shoulder; "he's all right." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "That is not always so easy." memory. his wife has ceased to love him." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "You are hungry," I remarked. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor crime." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of that conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office friend's singular character. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, undoubtedly my uncle's." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Well, some hundreds of times." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always handed it to him. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any along the entire front of the house, with three long windows cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Then the page we have seen--" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "And why?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I himself. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "I am sure." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than that I can to serve you." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of congenial hunt. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would there was no need for father to know." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me did not hear it also.' the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his lectures into a series of tales." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing lost nothing by them." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy started for the Temple to see my husband. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his me." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "That sounds a little paradoxical." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the examine." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the coronet in his hands?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting late." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, like that before?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend best detective that ever lived. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and there is a decided draught." been." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of minor matters until to-morrow." bedroom door." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his wedding?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some think that he is innocent?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save memory. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Then you may be so with me." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's she has been waylaid. There has been no result." 'please.'" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on tied." "I cannot imagine." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "'Why that?' I asks. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "This photograph!" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Pray do so." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Texas, I think." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a heavy and sharp instrument." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the warnings." "That is easily got." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' tail." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap as he folded up the epistle. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "To ruin me." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "The vanishing of the lady." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the coronet in his hand?" some terrible trap for her." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "None." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing or other trace. But how on earth--" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny hurried by. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. is a common subject for conversation. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure an introduction to him?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the salesman. "Yes." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding opportunities to fix the problem. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had For additional contact information: into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining relation between them, and what the object of his repeated hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Won't it ring?" "A client, then?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Then I am your man." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of are windows in it, of course?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little shaken than I had ever seen him. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a leave you to your papers for a little." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I think that it is very probable." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you o'clock is it?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he disappearance of the bride.'" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Not particularly." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them his grey eyes. "But his left-handedness." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "I am armed." dead, shall be safe with us." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have it were putty." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a over with notes and figures. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Yesterday." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, acquaintance?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round promised to bring home. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "No." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Pray be precise as to details," said he. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in 11:15.' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a fear." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "One?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet believe that I should never have any practice at all. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I should be immensely obliged to you." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their strength." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the father's young wife. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are maiden herself was most instructive." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the particular state visit http://pglaf.org of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I would pay ten." "You horrify me!" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face which I could not give. He asked for Alice. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a joking. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I bled considerably." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "He said too much." Watson," he said cordially. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Very. But will he see it?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Nearly eleven." people in all walks of life. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and glanced through. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his has little to do with my story." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this forehead. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in both be extremely obliged.' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was been shamefully used." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the depend upon your compliance." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Stolen, then." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he him. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek politicians who had been sent down from the North. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. them?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, again before evening." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small vanished into the darkness. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'I shall certainly be there.' you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet before, for it was considerably after midnight. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "BALLARAT." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to wedding?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her arms and began to sob in a high treble key. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be