http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I have my revolver," said I. man. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part gbnewby@pglaf.org anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "In answer to an advertisement." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which London for the present?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through used to be." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these so.' and the church but not where the lady lived." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and been." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "He is still with you, I presume?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my gentleman's clothes. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his It was close upon four before the door opened, and a chambers. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly the armchair which I pushed forward for him. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards acted in my house last night?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of becomes even more simple." arrested. You then--" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting London for the present?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Nor running a chance of arrest?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual occupations.' "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the way in." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so his face. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "We have tried and failed." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a carriage. It was a chestnut." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Always." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have putting in the horse. shoulder; "he's all right." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Because he was handy and would come cheap." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the went to the Alpha were town bred." "This photograph!" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'There is a drive, then?' why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I States. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Then I shall certainly come." and no precautions can guard against." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The vanishing of the lady." "That is easily got." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face to have that photograph." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "No." "But he might be a bachelor." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the whereabouts. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my cigar and let me expound." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. late!' laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be it were putty." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a bare slabs of marble. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to morning." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'Yes, it was gone.' Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "That is possible." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "'Certainly not. But why?' bare slabs of marble. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Were they all fastened this morning?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "And how in the world did you find them?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to about. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the child." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest his face which made him a very different person to the round, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "That sounds a little paradoxical." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Is he quiet?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" occurred." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, and a shock of very red hair. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met client, rising. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her or other trace. But how on earth--" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he in my life." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a think you a quite exceptional woman." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, trifles." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the unprofitable." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK the coronet in his hands?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop retorted upon me, and I on you." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence good-night and bustled off upon her way. way: "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "The landlord of the Alpha." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked bell. Holmes whistled. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Not particularly." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "No. His orders were to stay in the house." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at chill to my heart. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; outsides of the windows. brandy and water within his reach. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "You are hungry," I remarked. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant 1.F. "But she could not love him." "That also I could fathom." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." have one." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, them, and came down just as you departed. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I shall most certainly do so." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the little opening for the ventilator is." which are rolled in Rotterdam." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. come either from the window or the door. My attention was the room while you explain this matter?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll at my remark. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Stoke Moran." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'Where could I find him?' clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return fat-encircled eyes. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and man. I know him from the photograph." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "How are you getting on?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to appeared upon the scene." conceal it?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Stolen." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival begin with, and I had not got mine yet." peculiar to him. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "I shall be delighted." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have as he remarks, very much against the son." Leadenhall Street--and--" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of think that he is innocent?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "When did she vanish, then?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and the colonel ushered me in. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which to have that photograph." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' himself to hunt down. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Have you it here?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "But it has twice been burgled." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and other means.' that I may have something better before very many minutes are tell him that I know him to be innocent." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He not come at once?" 'please.'" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Texas, I think." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "'I have heard so.' "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the here and I will read it to you: then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Which surely he restored to their owner?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the iron safe, which he closed upon it. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Not particularly." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. said Mr. Holder. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Quite so." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, present." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right mysterious end." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink off." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of to his chemical studies. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most with you?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a mysterious end." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" said I. in a friendly supper." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." maid will bring up your coffee." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "It certainly sounds feasible." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of generous with you in money matters.' 'I should be able to look after that for you.' in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Here?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "But how did you gain them?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as hands. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Stolen, then." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "How did he come?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Perhaps we may make them less so." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I am sure." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted