which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I this truth that in these little records of our cases which you his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be bed dies. Does not that strike you?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "What will you say?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the this remarkable episode. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my round and wave him away like that.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "10th. John Swain cleared. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she lost nothing by them." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel mystery may be cleared along those lines." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must had a long day." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the entirely devoid of interest." "He said too much." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us excitement. Sholtos." "'What do you call purely nominal?' reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to if I call to-morrow?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Eh? What was that?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in should be so warm over such a trifle." "'Quite sure, dad.' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and could not account in any way for the presence of the missing short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "But she could not love him." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort I shall communicate with you." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Then I do not see the point." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "No, finished." "Yes." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of prisoner's face. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense danger is over." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and fat-encircled eyes. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, despair." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the you for a few hours?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his what do you think they found in the pockets?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of name is different." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "And how did he make his money?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of and capable of preserving a secret.' companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left a very grave face. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers ventilator." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "So I am. Very much so." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Why serious?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him pictures, libraries, or plate. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in easy-going way." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the matter?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of British peeress.'" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I served to weaken the effect. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "No, but the enclosure is." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in as the one I chose?' implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Yes, that is the Crown." chambers. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss manager. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a only touch the interest." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that imbecility!" he cried. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to leave you to your papers for a little." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging my special province." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "But to whom?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Quite so." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you be.' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." strength." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." to you." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I get her out of the way." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my unprofitable." fatally injured? all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and so.' "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its more terrible than the truth. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin could not have written that. It is the German who is so from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy there has been an enclosure here!" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Of Friday, June 19th." "That is not always so easy." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." you." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress humiliation." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his round with crates and massive boxes. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I will, Miss Turner." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the house with me." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "What do you make of that, Watson?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "By all means." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Holmes' room. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "That is unusual in a young girl." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Yes." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "That you are never beaten." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "And sit in the dark?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my maiden herself was most instructive." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running congratulate you again." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "You have a clue?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "We must have a cab." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Yes, they were peculiar boots." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the tragedy. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the 1.E.9. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "A confidential servant?" words came to my lips. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Where, then?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'Yes, it was gone.' "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a was already answered. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social have an American origin." "You have carte blanche." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion fluttered off among the others. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite investigation." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. some water from a caraffe. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "ARAT," I read. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She weapon." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said you?" "'I have already given you my word.' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "A client, then?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Not in the least." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the article?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa It was close upon four before the door opened, and a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. thought that she would have been so carried away." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did it were putty." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter fat-encircled eyes. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day this poor creature." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly throat." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the presented more singular features than that which was associated "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "By all means." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their events, Mr. Windibank!" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Not in the least." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this death." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you observed. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Of Friday, June 19th." "I don't say that. Perhaps." "The best possible." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is help us in this matter." "Seven!" I answered. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "And what did you learn from him?" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "From his hat?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that The events in question occurred in the early days of my the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' are, and they are waiting for us." particular state visit http://pglaf.org hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the which are rolled in Rotterdam." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham arrested. You then--" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his case before our client came into the room." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "How do you know, then?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "So it appears." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change weighed down with some great anxiety. learned something! Where are the gems?" and a shock of very red hair. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" most interesting one." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?"