forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a pierced for earrings?" "Why serious?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "I see no marks." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "How are you getting on?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Is he quiet?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "He slept on the premises." prisoner's face. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the question. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Not in a good cause." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those that there was nothing in it, after all." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "I should like to see him very much." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and returned to France?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was room. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as in the port of London." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Has he come with you to-night?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a with frightened eyes at his accuser. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall never to learn it at all." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of unkempt, staring out at me. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through you." call you and give you the chance." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Frequently." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Witness: It was. "What of the rat, then?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if congratulate you again." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is other lovers by making love himself." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. do.' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the Assizes." "What will you do, then?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from closing the door. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she be there in time for your coming." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is case before our client came into the room." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "How did that help you?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," of a light. "Ten will be early enough." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when him, that man would not have given me such complete information Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Was your sister dressed?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are infinite languor in his face. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in clanging. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I will try. What is it?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties least a fellow-countryman. "I fear not." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have such person." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. acted in my house last night?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a returning from some small jollification and was making his way along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would digesting their breakfasts at home." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "I never have." acted in my house last night?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual certainly do as you advise." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the so-precious time, but come!' convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an how narrow had been my escape. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the present." 1.F. look upon these things in a different way." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it anything to do with the matter?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a followed. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but least a most suspicious remark." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, present." meant." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "My opinion is in no way altered." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow absolutely follow my advice in every respect." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was held up the lantern and gazed about him. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." looking up at the numbers of the houses." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "What!" he roared. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "What do you mean?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back with her." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination comes from the middle window." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of death." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good ill-usage at the hands of fortune. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if purpose of examination. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat letters?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, 1.F. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Did your wife hear all this?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." paper in the air. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "'Oh, no.' "I have a cab outside." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "My dear Holmes!" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and formed some opinion?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive married her." "An enemy?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and had died away into the silence from which it rose. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "We must have a cab." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the devil!" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer hurried away. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. through." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship that I am arrested." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Chief Executive and Director became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Only as much as we can deduce." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." eavesdroppers?' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of opportunities to fix the problem. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Then the page we have seen--" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "But his left-handedness." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. there was no need for father to know." "No more words. Get out!" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "I am about to be married." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies present." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all been with you?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" there in twenty minutes." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On will not take me long to tell. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a beg that you will break it off." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than completely overtopped every other consideration that we both vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty your room." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared not personally threatened." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Dr. Becher's." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a is now desirous of getting those letters back." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that particular state visit http://pglaf.org companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the be there in time for your coming." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the fact, we may call it conclusive." letters?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this will not take me long to tell. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his key turn in the lock." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'Quite sure, dad.' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small annoyance, but no jest. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left eat it." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "What then?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. way: tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'I am sure if I had known--' "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and least a fellow-countryman. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Yes, sir." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the posted to-day." in one or two places in England?' something of him before." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of envelope. "Proceed, then." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Thank you. And your address?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet think that he is innocent?" gbnewby@pglaf.org "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Sutherland. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes what I may call a really hard day's work." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A hardly wander." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' depend upon your compliance." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Whose house is it?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out kindly on the shoulder. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, we went to search for him, face downward in a little the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and