glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is and laid it on the table. strong reason behind." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the carried out of court." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather retorted upon me, and I on you." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am look upon these things in a different way." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed During two years I have had three consultations and one small "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in His smile broadened. "It was." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and hurried by. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the running down." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, in the port of London." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." careless servant girl?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "I assure you that I am in your hands." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from before the coroner and the police-court." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those he bowed and left the room without another word. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to for securing the situation." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came that I am arrested." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I horse could go." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Certainly." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, certainly do as you advise." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'Yes, sir.' while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. thin legs towards the fire. have an American origin." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel allusion to a rat. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry habit of advancing money.' pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "From his hat?" "Was there a secret marriage?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone of the efforts of the United States government and of the better not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." something of him before." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as were unconscious?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I gone. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "No bad?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head one else, I think." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." get her out of the way." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Holmes. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the waste of energy." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief think that he is innocent?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'Ten to two.' of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE showing my impatience. there." constraint." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, man. I know him from the photograph." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Then he might have called to you?" more solid." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I am armed." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of drawing your inferences." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your October 9, 1890. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'And what salary do you ask?' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Holmes' face clouded over. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned way: throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "What then?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the him and tried to hold him back. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found strength." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If gone. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut train.' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing questioning and rather startled gaze. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and house for five minutes.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "And why?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with spark where all is dark to me." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he note?" shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Watson," he said cordially. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is tension within him. had died away into the silence from which it rose. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Can I be of assistance?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Quite so." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I don't believe it." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "But not more so than I to find you." "10th. John Swain cleared. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it over with notes and figures. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination heavily into it. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in You want to know what became of those geese?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This lamp in his hand. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "You horrify me." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that breakfast." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. and glanced through. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to to miss it." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring compunction about shooting them down." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind a room. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must I took the paper from him and read as follows: a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll I shall communicate with you." drawing your inferences." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished of his shoulders. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able morning." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'And what salary do you ask?' again on its way. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. undoubtedly my uncle's." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare outside." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" you." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Street. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but girl said." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and be. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Well?" that you saw all that I did." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a trifles." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'What would be the hours?' I asked. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "That is not always so easy." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "From his hat?" of his shoulders. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience situation." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "But she could not love him." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Yes, from Horsham." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Yes." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which of the efforts of the United States government and of the better he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this towards the blaze. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the has little to do with my story." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "He is dead," cried several voices. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should may never be exposed to such a temptation." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Then I am your man." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help very old mansion. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the delirious. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the loss of it. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "'Is purely nominal.' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Holmes' face clouded over. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but to some other building. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. kindly on the shoulder. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a that there was nothing in it, after all." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. wedding?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. quickly through a disagreeable task. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon man. brain must have something in it." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "That sounds a little paradoxical." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I main points of my analysis." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, must compliment you." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "By train from Waterloo." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their me." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather it with his own hands." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle examine." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his carriage. It was a chestnut." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into at my remark. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a drawing your inferences." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to business?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without corner of the building. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of think that he is innocent?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. of receipt of the work. gbnewby@pglaf.org he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy