doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'Very good.' threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and carriage. It was a chestnut." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they hour?' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and the church but not where the lady lived." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in ourselves in the office." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Holmes rather sternly. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Of Friday, June 19th." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "No." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in within hail.' back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call him, that man would not have given me such complete information Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Come in!" said Holmes. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner himself to tell his story. key turn in the lock." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have villagers almost as much as their master. cheerful." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "May I see it?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, photograph?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a unclasping of his long thin hands. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I fear not." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "It missed him, then?" and all of them with the keenest interest. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the coronet in his hands?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Holmes' face clouded over. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be of Mr. Rucastle's." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and pressing in one house as in another. "Why, what do you mean?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you out." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that It may be so in this case, also." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "But you were on a friendly footing?" "But it has twice been burgled." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my all-comprehensive glances. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as your troubles." crowd. good for you to do.' is worth.' "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a to-night?" I asked. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an but preventing her from injuring another. "Yes." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that train.' guilty parties." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she any little problem which you may submit to me." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, which was all perfectly true. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the mysterious business." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, interested in these little problems, and since you are good Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and which was all perfectly true. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. arrangements." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Look there!" said he. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on outbreak?" that I can to serve you." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was where she found matters as described by the last witness. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father locked. "One of the highest in England." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I have been better. It is all right." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal was already answered. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in it right.' "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the true." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate was it brought him the coronet? other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name place no limit on the sum I may draw." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, was a lad." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were call the police, let the police find what they can.' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for weapon." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at official police." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and I shall continue with my miserable story. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Which surely he restored to their owner?" whether it answered to the description of any of their My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than reach." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which night.' said he. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "So I have heard." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Here?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "'I shall certainly be there.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me take the flies, but not before." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "It was an hour's good drive." "My own seal." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he four million human beings all jostling each other within the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." fled together." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Munro.' he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, said I. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence me, and I could not think that his explanation of the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Mrs. Toller serenely. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but unclasping of his long thin hands. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he what is your own theory as to what took place?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can http://www.gutenberg.net "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all question you as to those details which seem to me to be most a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a grasp, he hurried from the room. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat words came to my lips. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the house with me." hurried away. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "The vanishing of the lady." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her closing the door. is so. I know all about McCarthy." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I assure you that I am in your hands." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Holmes. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Murdered?" father's place of business?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker dear old homesteads?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the child." "None." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what wife's character?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the very morning of the wedding." to a light-house. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, cigars in the box." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "And help." gbnewby@pglaf.org A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "How did you trace it, then?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this figure." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Why did you pick him?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "10th. John Swain cleared. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Where did he live, then?" asked. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "My own seal." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he his grey eyes. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "And you thought he was pulled back?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his wanted for ourselves." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "If I can be of use." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." more solid." papers." "What?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the address that was given us in the advertisement. business matters.' compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of at my remark. "But of what society?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and late!' to talk it over. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "How are you getting on?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. a very grave face. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it enter Dr. Roylott's room." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "'Which dealer's?' of the vacancies.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Very much so." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Here?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I am sure." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have developed." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw room?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' shoulder; "he's all right." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change