very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but to-night's adventure." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might generous with you in money matters.' comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You pictures, libraries, or plate. and I shall be with you presently." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "It missed him, then?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, might have a private word with us. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Not in the least." way: "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Yes." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but against a man in the prime of life?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Murdered?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Mrs. Toller serenely. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has careless servant girl?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich arrested. You then--" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a do.' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the deduce something from that?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may It was close upon four before the door opened, and a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his them?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." "How did you trace it, then?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and do.' the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had for its centre. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and strong and stiff." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up as he remarks, very much against the son." he bowed and left the room without another word. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such cup of tea. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to page at http://pglaf.org his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "And your father? Did you tell him?" had formerly been in part my own. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, new acquaintance to Baker Street. "And how did you verify them?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study noise which awoke you from your sleep?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "What then?" at home. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in present." address. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as quickly through a disagreeable task. my room." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "My opinion is in no way altered." wedding?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have certainly not very gracious." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I upon the white wrist. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'There is a drive, then?' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one who was a member of your goose club." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' in a friendly supper." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when we went to search for him, face downward in a little "One horse?" interjected Holmes. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive my little problems." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry coroner's jury." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each his face which made him a very different person to the round, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the assist you in forming an opinion." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must test if we have an answer to our advertisement." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Why, what do you mean?" "'Never,' said I. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Pray do so." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted voice, changing her seat as requested. and the whole place is in a blaze." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the coronet in his hand?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "It certainly sounds feasible." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "No." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the writer." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." up this clue while it is still hot." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Leadenhall Street--and--" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "No." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper spare." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Yes, it was twisted." in a friendly supper." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with note?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "And it is--" "I will get her to show me." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and made him keep the appointment." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of me what he had done with the three missing stones. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on arms and began to sob in a high treble key. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "A client, then?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who for securing the situation." stammered. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "No, distinctly professional." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'Stolen!' he cried. ready to-morrow?' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only in a very precise fashion." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "And the cigar-holder?" to-night?" I asked. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "And it is--" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something and capable of preserving a secret.' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the coronet in his hand?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "In the cells." that I can to serve you." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our opened the door, and slipped through. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which which we had just quitted. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "But your client--" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. and the church but not where the lady lived." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Very truly yours, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled that he has suffered." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Pope's Court. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a his cane at the bell-pull. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the laugh and put his lips to my ear. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to retorted upon me, and I on you." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being to where he stood hid behind the curtain. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me straighten it?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She absolutely follow my advice in every respect." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "The Cedars?" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "You think so, too?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining she might be summoned. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little of his shoulders. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more digesting their breakfasts at home." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. that I may have something better before very many minutes are of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "What! Had he lost his wife?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Why did you pick him?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I shall be delighted." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS asked. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already chair. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor this man was intellectual?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, it with his own hands." "But how?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the felt the room to be a little close.' the inquest, and which are worth considering." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I stood on the top of it. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening been." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "The best possible." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "And leave your case unfinished?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "But who is he?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of in his hands." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. acted in my house last night?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. cause to be." II. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's some mystery and the punishment of some crime." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard heavy and sharp instrument." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "What are they?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who grasp, he hurried from the room. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case bird of prey. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the