"I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a is acting for the best. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to companion quietly. point in the dark hollow of his hand. stepfather?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts advice." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is directly by questioning you." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found colour had been driven from his face. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Yes, only one." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the Assizes." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Yes." "Was your sister dressed?" "A client, then?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I clang of the bell. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "'Ample.' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said new duties?' his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'About the same.' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been main points of my analysis." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "You have compromised yourself seriously." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Dr. Gregory B. Newby retorted upon me, and I on you." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of posted to-day." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not begin with, and I had not got mine yet." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I better in every way that they should make their position a little "Then what has happened to him?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on notes," he said. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was help us in this matter." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery compunction about shooting them down." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Yes." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a hard-headed British jury." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with fled together." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "'Entirely.' discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Look there!" said he. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "I am sure." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." three fields round his house, and there he would take his of a light. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no served to weaken the effect. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I do." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed orange pips. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing people in all walks of life. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be answered with a sidelong glance. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Not social, then?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father up this clue while it is still hot." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the murdered man." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. photograph?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress me, and I could not think that his explanation of the was feeling which was the fattest.' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." his huge brown hands. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. business?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Awake, Watson?" he asked. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the loss of it. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could system of imprisonment?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'And the work?' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony he. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "No?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or once more to my work. village inn over there?" photograph a cabinet?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Foundation better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method it." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There should be taken.' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "How often?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It is solved." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "But what is it you wish?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually one of the states of the Union." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons and looked back. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," good-night and bustled off upon her way. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would with the outside air!" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present mystery may be cleared along those lines." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I matters immensely." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen for its centre. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding yourselves in at night?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Have you good authority for what you say?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin locked. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the see a sister of mine apply for." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I was afraid that you were engaged." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the I have it here in my museum." "So it appears." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate companion imperturbably. everything which you would wish to know." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Chief Executive and Director It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." security.' assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which looking up at the numbers of the houses." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes chance at all." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before notes," he said. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "I say it is." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect south, for the country is more deserted there." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch morning." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "But I am all in the dark." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from at a side door. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the way in." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our felt the room to be a little close.' "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other burst out into a roar of laughter. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. see a sister of mine apply for." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "I cannot tell." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Very much so." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. photograph a cabinet?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I in this note: him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "And the murderer?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Young McCarthy must be got off, however." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and prison!" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen burst into a hearty fit of laughter. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do The police have openly confessed that they can at present make set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and wait." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. very morning of my second wedding." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in gigantic client. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Sutherland?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's woven round him. "And how in the world did you find them?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic main points of my analysis." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. man. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "'What do you call purely nominal?' pierced for earrings?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to bears upon the case?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting there is a decided draught." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His people don't know." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" direction." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, main points of my analysis." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms back into the street. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood shoulder. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "I will try. What is it?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away went to the Alpha were town bred." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his opened a pocket-book and took out a note. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "I assure you that I am in your hands." or other trace. But how on earth--" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "You have but to name it." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase at my remark. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Yes." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, face and glided from the room. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Holmes' room. http://gutenberg.net/license). side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Then I do not see the point." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." anything to do with the matter?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." be best to do. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'Ten to two.' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I you for a few hours?" new duties?' metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the tension within him. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. to-night's adventure." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat into the bag, and made for the door. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." that you can jump it.' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had seven miles from Eyford Station.' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone."