finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "How did that help you?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. were unconscious?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she was not a bird to be seen there. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this people don't know." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "My dear Holmes!" questioning and rather startled gaze. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying his huge brown hands. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Did he not advertise?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "But his left-handedness." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project would then never go into court at all." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Certainly, madam." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" looking up at the numbers of the houses." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking have accepted such a situation. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small But Holmes shook his head gravely. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was grasp, he hurried from the room. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle strength in the others." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' brain must have something in it." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through I approached. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Cross for the Continent." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been said he. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." digesting their breakfasts at home." very morning of my second wedding." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. woman." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said lids now and glanced across at his visitor. tell him that I know him to be innocent." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "What?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric question you as to those details which seem to me to be most rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." fishes. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe helping a boy to put up the shutters. you?' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me there were one or two details which were new to me. But the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael prepare for the new role I have to play." "My opinion is in no way altered." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "You have but to name it." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand so far?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was be there in time for your coming." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "None." particular state visit http://pglaf.org one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Yes." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." amused." "Precisely." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to night.' said he. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my again." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Of what?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of case-book, which he consulted. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "And when will you call?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel along the entire front of the house, with three long windows through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round tail." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the back into the street. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. salesman. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. of them has the shutters up.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and passage and a tap at the door. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and and the colonel ushered me in. For additional contact information: sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and looked back. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which of a light. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'And the work?' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Entirely." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Is he quiet?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of and wait." people don't know." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the Friday. Was it to be in church?" http://www.gutenberg.net half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it three fields round his house, and there he would take his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "It is to him that this trophy belongs." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "It is half-past ten now." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew became a certainty. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our advice." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and which our visitor detailed to us. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds window when the police appeared." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Of Friday, June 19th." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue sufficient punishment." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "What I expected to see." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, electronic works rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet begun to whiten, even as mine has." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of me. other, as fresh and trim as possible. be best to do. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'Why that?' I asks. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I came to find a friend." that there was nothing in it, after all." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" sufficient punishment." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the inner apartment." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely peculiar to him. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Certainly." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Well?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the stammered. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Yes." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of fashion which was peculiar to him. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "How did he come?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "He is dead," cried several voices. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to is," said he presently: I nodded to show that I had heard. kind enough to tell me what I should do." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "But I am all in the dark." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the before the coroner and the police-court." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Holmes." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "It is possible." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. but preventing her from injuring another. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'Stolen!' he cried. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "May I see it?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name ourselves in the office." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where fat-encircled eyes. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side was the fact that his father should, according to his account, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation that he has suffered." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'Ten to two.' "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very dramatic, in fact." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. unprofitable." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. crime. an introduction to him?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague breakfast." look upon these things in a different way." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "But what is it you wish?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Precisely." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal in my life." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at 'I should be able to look after that for you.' he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the wedding?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "I don't believe it." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were all that?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his handed it to him. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Murdered?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "No. What a strange idea!" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, you?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "My photograph." "But he might be a bachelor." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a very old mansion. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she