"That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the hurried away. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "No, I think that I'll take it." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so retorted upon me, and I on you." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "And that is--" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be more terrible than the truth. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Stolen." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in good-night and bustled off upon her way. carriage. It was a chestnut." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the loss of it. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Count Von Kramm." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl neither fascinating nor artistic." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "But what is it you wish?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'A dozen yards or so.' useful material for showing traces. The double line a little recall any case within my experience which looked at the first value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of bearing upon the case." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their chance at all." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and suddenly upon us." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then I nodded again. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "ARAT," I read. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "What I expected to see." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between became a certainty. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "My dear Holmes!" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it and that he would see to anything that turned up. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There business." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It eat it." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet already referred to. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive lips." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" IS Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and ago." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may even so self-evident a thing as that." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic outside." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "The Cedars?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the me. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Yes." any more." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any and shall probably return to London by the evening train." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Married! When?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see chance at all." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for little adventures." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do and put his glass in his pocket. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Pool. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "No more words. Get out!" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went a good hundred miles off by now." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'Where could I find him?' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Yes." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the room while you explain this matter?" "Nothing." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the child." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will directors have had misgivings upon the subject." four million human beings all jostling each other within the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under bird I ate is country bred." keep the flames under. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by least a fellow-countryman. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "That is it on the dressing-table." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with main points of my analysis." colonel looking down at me. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very both be extremely obliged.' base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Your presence might be invaluable." spark where all is dark to me." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and back into the street. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Ah, but I was recommended to you." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. to arrive at through this?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Yes." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a less than 26s. 4d. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so been with you?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is maid will bring up your coffee." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden peculiar to him. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and capable of preserving a secret.' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "But the mystery?" your troubles." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations few hundred pounds.' your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes vague figure huddled up in the darkness. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "It is his hat." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the warnings." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided habit of advancing money.' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Nothing?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "What?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There if only as a check to my own memory." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. was already answered. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Never." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no made him keep the appointment." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the King without delay." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their signal between you and your father? details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for lamp in his hand. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'I am sure if I had known--' his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of back to my heart. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of union?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Nothing." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Do you know him?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "But the mystery?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced crime." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Of what day?" depend upon my doing so.' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "And sit in the dark?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps better in every way that they should make their position a little it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back sound at heart." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so know what is wrong with it.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case whether it answered to the description of any of their only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away in this note: woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have leaning back in his chair. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to there!' man. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him God! What an exposure! What can I do?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "VIOLET HUNTER." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. of Fenchurch Street." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. I was concerned in it." gigantic client. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we do.' "And you can do nothing until then?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I least a fellow-countryman. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Yesterday." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped was a loud and authoritative tap. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I cannot tell." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to congratulate you again." she to prove their authenticity?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was crowd. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a your equipment. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the little opening for the ventilator is." extraordinary contortions. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the best of training." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest 1.E.9. the window, rose as we entered. long narrative. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "It looks newer than the other things?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. this Miss Turner." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from The note was undated, and without either signature or address. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are ago." "What are they?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a again on its way. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. was a perfect sample of the class. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Ha! you find it so?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Who was the criminal, then?" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Witness: Nothing definite. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "None." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "It is half-past ten now." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Entirely." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My you came in." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the placed his cuttings. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, with the outside air!" orange pips. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the house with me." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "'I shall certainly be there.' learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he who was a member of your goose club." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after occurred." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' during that time.'