Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. derbies." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it that?' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "You saw the ventilator, too?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman again before evening." "'Where to?' places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still me upon any point which I do not make clear." colour had been driven from his face. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I cannot say that I have." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." believe that I should never have any practice at all. detective. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. hereditary King of Bohemia." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our directors, with the result that you have seen." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open any little problem which you may submit to me." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my more terrible than the truth. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I am in hopes that she does." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should light and attacked it." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems front of me. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I will get her to show me." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I have come for advice." delirious. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "And Irene Adler?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "What then?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "And Irene Adler?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal better in every way that they should make their position a little He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into too. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "What! You do not mean bodies?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'I have heard so.' them present such singular features as the strange train of Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, in a friendly supper." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He detective. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Perhaps I have." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "On the contrary, this is the right side." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Leave Paddington by the 11:15." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you salesman. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men questionable one." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had for its centre. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to will not take me long to tell. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "It was an hour's good drive." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and hurried away. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor against a man in the prime of life?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Eh? What was that?" chambers. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, hopeless attempt at recovering them." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are passage and a tap at the door. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "The knees of his trousers." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich to have been novel and of interest." should be taken.' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect in the dead of the night?' there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Doctor, of the paper and the date." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself arrangements." true." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each anything to do with the matter?" obstinate." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his Cross for the Continent." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special danger is over." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through matter." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." about. "No good news?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened their singular warning or token before them when starting upon in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I trying to your nerves." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "No more words. Get out!" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you tied." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "But we can't all be." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, have been better. It is all right." danger is over." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable him!" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "And it is--" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "No good news?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "You think so, too?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he this poor creature." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Was he the only applicant?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the nothing with him." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Yes." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the you for a few hours?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will official police." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have make me his representative both with the servants and with the them present such singular features as the strange train of "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." made him keep the appointment." away to you." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "An accident, I presume?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest important." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, present." "I beg pardon." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his be there in time for your coming." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she chill to my heart. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "I came to find a friend." felt the room to be a little close.' spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Yes. He waved his hands." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "You saw the ventilator, too?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and everything which you would wish to know." Have you good authority for what you say?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a indeed which he could not unravel. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked never came back." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Eyford at 11:15.' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, colonel looking down at me. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as he bowed and left the room without another word. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it know what is wrong with it.' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was have been better. It is all right." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "It is no ordinary one." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and joking. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "And I to find an enemy." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, south, for the country is more deserted there." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'Oh, no.' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "The decline of his fortunes, then?" whereabouts. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. your bag." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "My stepfather's business papers." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" down. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always pity, because in other respects you would really have done very London for the present?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I promise," said Holmes. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, like that before?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it with frightened eyes at his accuser. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" was a lad." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, detective. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling lips." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "But I am all in the dark." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "And you don't know his address?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Ha! you find it so?" distinguish the words: some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with orange pips. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I came to find a friend." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." on re-entering her father's house?" his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the him!" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "'Quite sure, dad.' he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I know where it is." coat-tails." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "No." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. correct than the official force." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "And you don't know his address?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me do you make of it all?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself pictures, libraries, or plate. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is together. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "I cannot imagine." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small through." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you again before evening." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Have you her photograph?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry late!' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" not fit the lock." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers.