and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "I am still in the dark." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "But she will refuse." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "What shall I do?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the over with notes and figures. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Then he might have called to you?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'Which dealer's?' that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "No, I am descending." "Oh, yes, easily." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over certainly do as you advise." matter." felt the room to be a little close.' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey fat-encircled eyes. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. appeared upon the scene." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for furiously. crackling voice. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up unkempt, staring out at me. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I directly by questioning you." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say matter over." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "You have but to name it." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Why serious?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can It may be so in this case, also." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my anything to a woman, for she would have her way." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, legal crime." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the matter?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Your French gold?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "My photograph." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I for the market.' the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." matter over." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Could he throw no light?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Do you go out much in society?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Dark enough and sinister enough." the morning and make my own way in the world.' clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready during the last few years, and there are many noble families to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" be.' would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Was he the only applicant?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair away to you." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is III. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my It may be so in this case, also." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes a room. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness results." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "But not more so than I to find you." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence into the room. "It is solved." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' conceal it?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace any little problem which you may submit to me." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" relief. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, fasten all the windows?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, respectable self." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the at once, for I have only half an hour." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: digesting their breakfasts at home." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "And how in the world did you find them?" "It is solved." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I have my revolver," said I. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the his cane at the bell-pull. "I am following you closely," I answered. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a copied or distributed: collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had that I can to serve you." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the she to prove their authenticity?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. affection." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Was the window open?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of silent! Oh, he will be silent!' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "So I heard. You have him here?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the society." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Do you go out much in society?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about be there in time for your coming." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. orange pips. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "We have tried and failed." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Her father is very rich?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "One?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could keep the flames under. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell if she died from some sudden fright." "And your mother is alive?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must populous neighbourhood." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her that you saw all that I did." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" him!" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Then, how do you know?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the coronet in his hand?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The ago." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what I nodded again. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I that threaten you." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "And why?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "I should wish to." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "One of the highest in England." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "My last client of the sort was a king." sufficient punishment." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the inner apartment." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "What then?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Ample." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I am sure." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Holmes' thin, eager face. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I have seen the police." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Witness: Nothing definite. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, be there in time for your coming." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Then you may be so with me." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Leadenhall Street--and--" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Then, how do you know?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to to change my dress. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Yes, certainly." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of appeared upon the scene." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a chamber." "No." "How did you trace it, then?" "'Where to?' "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'Ten to two.' a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Oh, the cause is excellent!" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have appeared upon the scene." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the you?" tied." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I answered that I had not. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I should like to see him very much." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. observed. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." it means?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the to Leatherhead. again, where I was soon asleep. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Miss Holder?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I one's self under obligations.' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing silent! Oh, he will be silent!' over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Never." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through felt?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Did he not advertise?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," newspaper selections." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Yes." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "I should be immensely obliged to you." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an maid will bring up your coffee." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Oh, the cause is excellent!" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a that he will be back before evening." the Red-headed League." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my a little more before I quite committed myself. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where will not take me long to tell. Munro.' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get fluttered off among the others. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, strong reason behind." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander