while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I guilty parties." "Absolutely none." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a and no precautions can guard against." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "But you can know nothing of this?" pictures, libraries, or plate. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Your presence might be invaluable." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Pool. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them since then to throw any light upon what became of him." narrative." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove possible that we could bring him back to her? sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with The summons was a brief and urgent one. me where it went to?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "At the wedding breakfast." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "You think so, too?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you something of him before." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. your only hope of safety." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Certainly." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking man. I know him from the photograph." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging McCarthy's innocence. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled when your master had gone out." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson forbidden door. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had whole matter to your consideration." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this look upon these things in a different way." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I and shall probably return to London by the evening train." not, dad?" she asked. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers matters immensely." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the matter?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my papers on the sundial.'" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, gives a meaning to it." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." must compliment you." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled and your relations to her." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in you understand?" "Whose house is it?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there you." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's hurried by. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "A call for help, you thought?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am it right.' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide astonishment. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Leadenhall Street--and--" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as infinite languor in his face. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the taking in every detail of the apartment. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "What of the rat, then?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She weigh very heavily upon my conscience." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" families. Now for the facts. "Yes, sir." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "And what did you see?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was a little more before I quite committed myself. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "The best possible." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my thought that she would have been so carried away." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "It certainly sounds feasible." "Witness: I must still refuse. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case cheerful." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Yes." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the may never be exposed to such a temptation." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes purpose of examination. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we tassel actually lying upon the pillow. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, upon a handsome competence. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "That is possible." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "You will not go there first?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had room. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "It looks newer than the other things?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in present." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "It is no ordinary one." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to prisoner's face. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the Red-headed League." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must salesman. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" meant." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much me what he had done with the three missing stones. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "My own seal." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very murdered man." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right once more on the important position which you have been fortunate hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You have carte blanche." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few chance at all." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Did you become engaged then?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time particular state visit http://pglaf.org charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which had died away into the silence from which it rose. Munro.' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and forbidden door. "My dear Holmes!" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself eat it." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Come in!" said Holmes. third from London." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or had formerly been in part my own. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the dangers which encompass me." "And what then?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "One of his hands." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. to have that photograph." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may had a long day." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Was she in good spirits?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon round with crates and massive boxes. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "That you are never beaten." and effective." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average writers could invent nothing more crude." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the certainly not very gracious." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored telegram would bring me down to your help." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full with the outside air!" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible for its centre. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our business came to an end." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less trying to your nerves." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can was it brought him the coronet? "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" observed. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Then how many are there?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in fuss that is made over them." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This matters immensely." I think that I could be of assistance to you." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "He is dead," cried several voices. must compliment you." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "I do." o'clock is it?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each think that any burglar could have done. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "My own seal." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask more terrible than the truth. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if a little more before I quite committed myself. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Nor running a chance of arrest?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I know where it is." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Ah, but I was recommended to you." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Where did you address your letters, then?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left along the entire front of the house, with three long windows States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' made him keep the appointment." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Yes." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Chief Executive and Director "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to 'please.'" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling business?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other to talk it over. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." unkempt, staring out at me. cigar and let me expound." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Proceed, then." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy anything to a woman, for she would have her way." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Is he quiet?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional all-comprehensive glances. throat." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from to that open window." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over maid will bring up your coffee." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will considering the formidable letters which were received by himself lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Where to?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great chance at all." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your will not take me long to tell. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The good-night and bustled off upon her way. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I say it is." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Upon what point?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear correct than the official force." here." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless woman who has had her own way to make in the world. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him