Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "And on what day did he meet his death?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. appeared upon the scene." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven nights." unkempt, staring out at me. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been woman." something of him before." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "It must be recovered." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor the salesman. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Was the window open?" flock.' will he say when he returns?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "It may not come to that," said Holmes. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old until night should bring an explanation. of the vacancies.' lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "And how did you verify them?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Clair, of Lee." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." power." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT residence of the great financier. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, galvanised. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would do.' and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "May I see it?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to tension within him. "Proceed, then." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an mystery." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest he bowed and left the room without another word. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if heavily into it. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the window, rose as we entered. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank desk. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'Certainly not.' "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, together. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Imitated." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about taking in every detail of the apartment. Does that suggest anything?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk works. See paragraph 1.E below. affair. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'Ten to two.' your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it business at Coburg Square is serious." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little overpowering excitement and concern. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Never to return." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "His face fell immediately. tell them apart.' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the rat could hardly pass through." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the 1.F. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "You horrify me!" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "It goes to the housekeeper's room." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Certainly." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "At the wedding breakfast." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Eyford." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this than to us. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "My stepfather's business papers." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again trifles." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his tear off another piece?' charged with?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Not particularly." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing papers on the sundial.'" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, other, as fresh and trim as possible. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Holmes' room. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship you." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I will, Miss Turner." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Quite so." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Edgeware Road. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "A client, then?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "By no means." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Is he quiet?" "And is that all?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the bottom.' secret." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I His smile broadened. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." way: into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Yes." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Sutherland?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his constraint." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "That is possible." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length good for you to do.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. murdered man." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the nursery. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm completely overtopped every other consideration that we both St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "You are all wrong." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, little trying to do so much typewriting?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her knowledge of the world." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly invisible to me," I remarked. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the locked. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "None." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean My friend smiled. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a helping a boy to put up the shutters. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'Yes, sir.' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I promise," said Holmes. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who might have a private word with us. coroner's jury." you?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried directly by questioning you." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "In what way?" asked Holmes. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "What then?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "I will, Miss Turner." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'How far from the body?' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and of the way of danger. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most or other trace. But how on earth--" "There is the writing." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. neither fascinating nor artistic." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at that threaten you." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a call you and give you the chance." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "And how did you find out?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an there when the Rucastles went away." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be crime. During two years I have had three consultations and one small brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of her also." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally it." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I My friend smiled. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut it." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such in the dead of the night?' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "But you would not advise me to refuse?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately residence of the great financier. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own asked with his eyes open. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the house with me." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before nights." upon the white wrist. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "But it has twice been burgled." "What! a murderous attack?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the coronet at all injured?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst very morning of my second wedding." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Won't it ring?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was of the efforts of the United States government and of the better served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get you in yours." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very and your relations to her." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the chance." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." his face. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer