went to the Alpha were town bred." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Yes, all." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look too. "And you don't know his address?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the reach." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Well, some hundreds of times." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the mystery." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of developed." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just bonnet, and went out." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "I was afraid that you were engaged." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was and the church but not where the lady lived." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for side. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "What do you mean?" through." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "And why?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 nonsense.' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to country, and eventually married, without anyone having a to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." if only as a check to my own memory." husband's writing, madam." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. certainly not very gracious." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project I held the little printed slip to the light. washing it down with a long draught of water. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "So I am. Very much so." "Was she in good spirits?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'Never.' "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a as he remarks, very much against the son." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white mystery." be sorry for having acted so harshly." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "No." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "How did that help you?" grasp, he hurried from the room. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales your co-operation." the Assizes." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather papers diligently of late, have you not?" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I don't say that. Perhaps." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town already referred to. place no limit on the sum I may draw." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "What will you do, then?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows get her out of the way." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. outside." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." voice, changing her seat as requested. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it had died away into the silence from which it rose. distinguish the words: "Why? What do you mean?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "No." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Eyford." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled awkward doing business with an alias." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "And how?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found from you?" pound a week." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "The vanishing of the lady." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which to tackle the facts." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and when you have done it." "Why, what do you mean?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and me upon any point which I do not make clear." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon sparkled upon his finger. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Will you bet, then?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and passage and a tap at the door. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'Where could I find him?' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Mrs. Toller serenely. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Then the page we have seen--" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my happened." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "And sit in the dark?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in round with crates and massive boxes. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Stolen, then." "'Entirely.' "Not in a good cause." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "It must be recovered." "Certainly." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was business came to an end." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I am about to be married." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not into the bag, and made for the door. followed. corner of the building. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official useful material for showing traces. The double line a little his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I am all attention, madam." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I should wish to." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Eyford at 11:15.' "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "And how have you succeeded?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even relief. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. have got?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the chemical work which was so dear to him. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Very much so." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Yes. He waved his hands." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not business?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I floor. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "No." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of papers diligently of late, have you not?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one in my life." and effective." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name presume?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Did you become engaged then?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where know what is wrong with it.' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "I will get her to show me." "Yes." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my as the one I chose?' thirty. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." present." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of system of imprisonment?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not allusion to a rat. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of upon a handsome competence. John Swain, of St. Augustine. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This grasp, he hurried from the room. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would companion. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Certainly." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "No, I think that I'll take it." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." business at Coburg Square is serious." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been side. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "'A dozen yards or so.' hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his was it brought him the coronet? his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. matters immensely." all that?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper III. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. learned something! Where are the gems?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Pray let us have it, for all that." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are digesting their breakfasts at home." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was girl said." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. situation." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If to tell." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "And why?" into the room. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "But to whom?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your one of the states of the Union." excitement. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." have an American origin." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to were wasted." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is there when the Rucastles went away." "Then the page we have seen--" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well strength of mind to control. prepare for the new role I have to play." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. joking. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." arrested. You then--" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to asked with his eyes open. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the page at http://pglaf.org "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." again, where I was soon asleep. "I think that it is very probable." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Witness: I must still refuse. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be never will be, entirely cleared up. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for legal crime." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." this unhappy family?" have been better. It is all right."