"You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my face and glided from the room. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had depend upon my doing so.' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us until night should bring an explanation. plantation.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to companion. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could assist you in forming an opinion." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought page at http://pglaf.org "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and I nodded again. with the outside air!" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Pray let us have it, for all that." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to have an American origin." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the date of his supposed suicide." "Have you it here?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little looking up at the numbers of the houses." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the in this way: which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is this as likely?" both be extremely obliged.' "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such my room." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic guilty one." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, said he. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "It came here." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. was lame." have not had my rubber." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the warnings." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will be sorry for having acted so harshly." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my bearing upon the case." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "How are you getting on?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger you?' yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate tear off another piece?' the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Certainly." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that soul! here is her carriage at the door." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Yes, at the mines." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Chief Executive and Director offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his exactly what you advise." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in spare." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite six. Come in!" other lovers by making love himself." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help formed some opinion?" me have 200 pounds?' there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Ah, but I was recommended to you." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Never to return." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has I took the paper from him and read as follows: determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Always." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Was your sister dressed?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand despair." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to again, where I was soon asleep. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey leave you to your papers for a little." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "A greater distance to travel." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked wedding?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "So I am. Very much so." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the morning and make my own way in the world.' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the thirty. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "'Entirely.' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church flock.' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "What then?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom him!" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Arthur Conan Doyle Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Thank you. Pray proceed." "The Cedars?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "I cannot imagine." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary one of them." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic you do it in twenty minutes!' little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but again on its way. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other signal between you and your father? a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the whether it answered to the description of any of their the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. purpose of examination. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "The decline of his fortunes, then?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence the one as in the other." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Yes. He waved his hands." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I see many objections to any such theory." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a it with his own hands." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon him!" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "None." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the call you and give you the chance." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'Most admirably.' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. to his chemical studies. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Entirely." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband The events in question occurred in the early days of my "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made you." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this be sorry for having acted so harshly." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must little adventures." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a was lame." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few daring than any effort of the imagination." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the or in danger--" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "It is possible." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "No, distinctly professional." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about extraordinary contortions. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the dangers which encompass me." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my with her." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it minor matters until to-morrow." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the inner apartment." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far events, Mr. Windibank!" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "And now?" He raised his hand. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in words came to my lips. desk. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." weary and pale-looking. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "There are none." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. trying to your nerves." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley helping a boy to put up the shutters. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Here?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was other, as fresh and trim as possible. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "My private note-paper." hard-headed British jury." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found father's place of business?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Why, what do you mean?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Was there a secret marriage?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Pray let us have it, for all that." "'Then let me do so?' to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Holmes, the busybody!" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I cannot tell." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage business in the City. She little knew what. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from society." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their in. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "At what time?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is carpenter." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever to that open window." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Why, it's a dummy," said he. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I was sure that I might rely on you." away into the river." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" amused." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both tied." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect me have 200 pounds?' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the little opening for the ventilator is." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "No more words. Get out!" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a to Leatherhead. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest where she found matters as described by the last witness. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "What?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Stolen." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered