as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Mrs. Toller serenely. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than foot. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias vanished into the darkness. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his six. Come in!" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "By no means." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, indeed which he could not unravel. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Dr. Becher's." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, this as likely?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a to a light-house. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. nice household for a young lady." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." is so. I know all about McCarthy." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of nonsense.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And gentleman's clothes. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend into the bag, and made for the door. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his hour." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the again on its way. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I sneer upon his pale face. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "No, I think that I'll take it." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, his face. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns do.' when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted point our research must commence, and we will begin it by lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It lamp in his hand. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these The note was undated, and without either signature or address. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note clang of the bell. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and I nodded again. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened you." easy-going way." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." criminal. We have already had experience of such." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "It was." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I think it very unlikely." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a clang of the bell. "She walked into the breakfast-room." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very information in his hands the value of which he did not himself your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. wife's character?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "But how?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn when your master had gone out." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to touch that coronet?' "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Pope's Court. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the address that was given us in the advertisement. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank bird of prey. for and were ordered to this address. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Texas, I think." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such once more on the important position which you have been fortunate buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Yes." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked fish-monger and a tide-waiter." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "What I expected to see." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "So it appears." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and a shock of very red hair. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. that he has suffered." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. conduct the inquiry." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady drove away. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "On your arm?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and grasp, he hurried from the room. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I say it is." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have not within a twentieth part of the market price." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told said he. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. together. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was extraordinary contortions. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out once more on the important position which you have been fortunate DISSOLVED. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Game for a morning drive?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'And the work?' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" is four-and-twenty." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a bell. Holmes whistled. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of man. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "My Mary? Impossible!" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. your only hope of safety." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would hard-headed British jury." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "My opinion is in no way altered." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm hurried away. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently http://www.gutenberg.net doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian manager. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "That's no good." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the will he say when he returns?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." tied." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Oh, yes, easily." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the morning and make my own way in the world.' I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered room?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, to-night's adventure." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I appeared upon the scene." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a carriage. It was a chestnut." gigantic client. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my interests were the same as his." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Have you good authority for what you say?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, posted to-day." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off I am not easy in my mind about them." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of companion quietly. "I was afraid that you were engaged." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both me, and I could not think that his explanation of the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these shoulder. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his fluttered off among the others. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Stolen, then." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which see a sister of mine apply for." "It missed him, then?" you?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the past. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his on in his house." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the bed, and you in that chair." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." stammered. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "What are they?" your own bird, so if you wish--" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were begun to whiten, even as mine has." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and do.' "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "In the cells." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Pray continue your narrative." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I unprofitable." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously washing it down with a long draught of water. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it of them has the shutters up.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was straighten it?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase deduce something from that?" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately heavy and sharp instrument." "The rest you will leave in our hands." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, hopeless attempt at recovering them." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "No more words. Get out!" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I to tell." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "And you can do nothing until then?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front we went to search for him, face downward in a little "What?" indeed happy." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "It is half-past ten now." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and that you wished to speak to me?' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "But how?" British peeress.'" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after speckled band?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Married! When?" must be when I saw the door open.' "Witness: Nothing definite. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "None." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Yesterday." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." attention." orange pips. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman