had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned sparkled upon his finger. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my call for it in person on Monday morning.' place of silver." Holmes. lumber-room." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, of the way of danger. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "And leave your case unfinished?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "My own seal." hour." "No?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Two days later this same performance was gone through under a few minutes he said that it would be all right. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "My Mary? Impossible!" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips fire. You quite follow me?" directors, with the result that you have seen." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "When did it break out?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might was already answered. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" His name is Francis Prosper." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his golden eyeglasses. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all I took the paper from him and read as follows: dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Texas, I think." mystery may be cleared along those lines." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Yes, I have one waiting." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a other means.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'I shall certainly be there.' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "And why?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Which are?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon that?' "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his what I may call a really hard day's work." "A call for help, you thought?" the child." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. from you?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One place no limit on the sum I may draw." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Then, as to money?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'Most admirably.' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into interests were the same as his." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the driver. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "It is true that I have been generally successful." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing silent! Oh, he will be silent!' during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I think that I had better go, Holmes." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he will not take me long to tell. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Where is it, then?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Who was the criminal, then?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a hereditary King of Bohemia." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the so-precious time, but come!' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. very old mansion. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "The Coroner: What do you mean? "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be photograph a cabinet?" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Dirty?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best suggested at once that there must be a communication between the works. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but within hail.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, on re-entering her father's house?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an derbies." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Did you become engaged then?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly hand, madam?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from never will be, entirely cleared up. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Precisely." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that my former friend and companion. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite I am not easy in my mind about them." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Stolen, then." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "But how could you guess what the motive was?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." highroad, where all traces were lost. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "I have a cab outside." chance." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "That is unusual in a young girl." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "'Ten to two.' didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "I was afraid that you were engaged." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be must compliment you." would apply.' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Stolen, then." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "And what did you see?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Why did you pick him?" "Of what day?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with note?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I was sure that I might rely on you." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am know what is wrong with it.' outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must http://www.gutenberg.net conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "How many? I don't know." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and second." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up in my life." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who do." chambers. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb success. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "What of the rat, then?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. cigar and let me expound." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had definite end. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the works. See paragraph 1.E below. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and next day. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied behind me. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Yes, from Horsham." suspect him." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "You were travelling in the States?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view wedding?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "My private note-paper." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall lamp. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I came to find a friend." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." what these perils are?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. key of the affair now." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I see many objections to any such theory." arrangements." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "I have come for advice." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition room?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Awake, Watson?" he asked. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "We must have a cab." cause to be." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "In heaven's name, what for?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For said he. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "An accident, I presume?" should be so warm over such a trifle." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of security.' drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Yes." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Oh, the cause is excellent!" records." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be main points of my analysis." outbreak?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building http://gutenberg.net/license). sake, don't!" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson when you have done it." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been which it had come upon my father." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "If so, much may have happened between." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes who was a member of your goose club." little trying to do so much typewriting?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Now, then, what's the last entry?" that threaten you." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and at my remark. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a upon an income of about 60 pounds." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her new duties?' as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "We have tried and failed." door?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE