when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do in the port of London." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." that Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it straightened it out again. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not deduce something from that?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "BALLARAT." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, been able to understand it, in a very few words. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. companion quietly. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and meanly of me." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "'Ample.' gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I chill to my heart. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He particular state visit http://pglaf.org safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "But how could you guess what the motive was?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Then what has happened to him?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin this unhappy family?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you o'clock is it?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon highroad, where all traces were lost. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he three of the beryls in it, was missing. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he she to prove their authenticity?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is observed. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "The rest you will leave in our hands." business." "Your French gold?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his envelope. about here speaks of his kindness to him." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took What do you deduce from it?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was evidence," I remarked. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last jewels which you have stolen?' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be breakfast and whispered something to her husband. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. events, Mr. Windibank!" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" jewels which you have stolen?' rooms." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Where, indeed?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is obstinate." might help us?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said there in twenty minutes." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "And how did he make his money?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "By no means." he bowed and left the room without another word. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "It is true that I have been generally successful." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "The best possible." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "No." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. and inquire as to the address." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "And the cigar-holder?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "He said too much." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, before the coroner and the police-court." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study at once, for I have only half an hour." about here speaks of his kindness to him." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Have you good authority for what you say?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the introspective fashion. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I sparkled upon his finger. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "That is unusual in a young girl." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Your French gold?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Yes." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "And did you observe any change in her then?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'What are you doing there?' he asked. For additional contact information: "Was your sister dressed?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "We have tried and failed." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits may have an influence upon European history." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "This photograph!" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her never came back." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and never to learn it at all." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see that I can to serve you." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the little trying to do so much typewriting?" think that any burglar could have done. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Was there a secret marriage?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. are windows in it, of course?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches true." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'Certainly not. But why?' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully he bowed and left the room without another word. enter into my head. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be question you as to those details which seem to me to be most into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "No." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "But what harm can there be in that?" society." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag gentleman's clothes. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "I should wish to." "I am to be neutral?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by noting anything else of interest. lips." pound a week." notes," he said. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to the window, rose as we entered. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our American. Then who could this American be, and why should he because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "I have hopes." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are be best to do. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, business at Coburg Square is serious." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no yet." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same spark where all is dark to me." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I I shall continue with my miserable story. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I warn you that they are very incomplete." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "One of the highest in England." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been it." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "And leave your case unfinished?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'Why that?' I asks. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, wall." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Not him." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money is a common subject for conversation. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you evidence," I remarked. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to following enigmatical notices: the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "One?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Absolutely?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "It is half-past ten now." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two said he, "my real name is James Ryder." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, intrusion of other matters." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. me have 200 pounds?' murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a quickly through a disagreeable task. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose questioning and rather startled gaze. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I should like to see him very much." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "You know me, then?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, eat it." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I kind enough to tell me what I should do." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, or in danger--"