and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, more solid." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very is acting for the best. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated your sleep?' "'How far from the body?' undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "The best possible." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some or other trace. But how on earth--" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both him. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up lost nothing by them." him nearly every evening." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "That you are never beaten." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Not social, then?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the room while you explain this matter?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Pray continue your narrative." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "On your arm?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "And why?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his to go into your room and bar your shutters?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody before, for it was considerably after midnight. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. suspect him." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I excitement. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare bears upon the case?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered extraordinary contortions. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the my little problems." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the new duties?' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will and have this put in the evening papers." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the very morning of the wedding." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating bears upon the case?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his maiden herself was most instructive." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is breakfast?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "What will you say?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done head. So long, then!" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Then I shall certainly come." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a remarked. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the so-precious time, but come!' "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one character. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Murdered?" "That's no good." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few triumphant cloud from his cigarette. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The public press." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'Where could I find him?' burst out into a roar of laughter. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Surrey." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." know what is wrong with it.' "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some husband's writing, madam." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and case-book, which he consulted. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, would apply.' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in what is your own theory as to what took place?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. would then never go into court at all." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not individual and becomes the badge of a society." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'Quite sure, dad.' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view window when the police appeared." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the house with me." families. Now for the facts. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming occupations.' out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "And is that all?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry goes." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the child." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. strength in the others." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" bachelor.' into the room. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was it." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'I shall certainly be there.' which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my nonsense.' "Yes, there are nearly always some there." that you saw all that I did." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." in darkness. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily her also." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I am following you closely," I answered. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore examine." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." arrested. You then--" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." dead, shall be safe with us." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I am still in the dark." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Not social, then?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the station." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never could not have written that. It is the German who is so suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Of what?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "One of his hands." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Countess of Morcar's?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "How did you trace it, then?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may http://www.gutenberg.net Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not you." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but showing my impatience. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Ten will be early enough." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do gone. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the pierced for earrings?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "This concluded the examination of the witness." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, once more. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Did you observe the colour?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be your own bird, so if you wish--" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Yes, they were peculiar boots." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own written, and locked the door of the office after me. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young signal between you and your father? "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he depend upon my doing so.' "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. for and were ordered to this address. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Precisely." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he disturbance in my wife." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of again, where I was soon asleep. maiden herself was most instructive." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless charged with?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Yes, only one." maiden herself was most instructive." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" the so-precious time, but come!' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. straighten it?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Of what?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And persecution?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I late." not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked man. I know him from the photograph." call the police, let the police find what they can.' a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a I nodded to show that I had heard. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the bottom.' "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the this remarkable episode. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly opened the door, and slipped through. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Never." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; that there was nothing in it, after all." "And Irene Adler?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than