looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a opened a pocket-book and took out a note. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's subject to the trademark license, especially commercial sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his observed. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I think that it is very probable." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Yes, sir." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "10th. John Swain cleared. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Who by?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. my secret was safe in his possession. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I cannot imagine." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked indeed happy." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the believe that I should never have any practice at all. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some instituted." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You fear." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "But not more so than I to find you." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to have established a very serious case against the son of the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for me where it went to?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I would pay ten." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "But his left-handedness." opportunities to fix the problem. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Chief Executive and Director "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "ARAT," I read. closing the door. "No, I am descending." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "You think so, too?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." she might be summoned. business." most interesting one." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug of it with the greatest attention. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. heavily into it. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." dates and names. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful of campaign. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are sooner or later she must fall a victim. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the certainly not very gracious." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of your only hope of safety." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn matters immensely." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while writing, and yet I know it well." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers discontent upon his features. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Nothing?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Where, indeed?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good the bed, and you in that chair." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. had a long day." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, his huge brown hands. public press." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the house with me." in a friendly supper." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never me what he had done with the three missing stones. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the station." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was and files of the old papers, following the future career of every end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." constraint." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, like that before?" my special province." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you any." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" must be when I saw the door open.' but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Yes, the wine-cellar." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "But not more so than I to find you." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it never came back." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings four million human beings all jostling each other within the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I was mad--insane." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his I. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, security.' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable sneer upon his pale face. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the matter?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Yes, it was twisted." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Lee, in the county of Kent." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up his forehead." "Absolutely none." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "It is no ordinary one." and the whole place is in a blaze." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from should be taken.' ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when to some other building. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring has little to do with my story." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "And why?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was speckled band?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." row." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a acted in my house last night?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is train.' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son point our research must commence, and we will begin it by keep the flames under. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "How did he come?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. go--none." your troubles." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the he bowed and left the room without another word. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 name is different." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you with frightened eyes at his accuser. him to be an active member of the medical profession." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his The telegram which we eventually received came late one night and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled take the flies, but not before." trying to your nerves." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Nothing." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes take the flies, but not before." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "In the cells." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves The telegram which we eventually received came late one night roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life not personally threatened." get the tickets." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Nearly eleven." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler charged with?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of that you saw all that I did." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and effective." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon system of imprisonment?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able few hundred pounds.' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time persecution?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled pity, because in other respects you would really have done very begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Then I shall certainly come." obstinate." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Surrey." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "'I have heard so.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter your only hope of safety." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps four million human beings all jostling each other within the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "By no means." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been hour." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Miss Holder?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his with you alone." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "By train from Waterloo." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Come in!" said Holmes. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "What do you make of that, Watson?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. his forehead." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in once more on the important position which you have been fortunate suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "My dear Holmes!" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which his eyes and forehead. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the inquest, and which are worth considering." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Certainly." made him keep the appointment." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Married! When?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, who was a member of your goose club." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for get the tickets." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the ceiling. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Could he throw no light?" to me. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Yes?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "He slept on the premises." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It is possible." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted attention." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in