"Yes." that he will be back before evening." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the any more." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more secret." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Then I do not see the point." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the what is your own theory as to what took place?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of information in his hands the value of which he did not himself security.' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and a little more before I quite committed myself. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I shall be delighted." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' of a light. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "My stepfather's business papers." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "I do." "Stoke Moran?" said he. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "I have solved it." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement colour had been driven from his face. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I don't say that. Perhaps." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Who by?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Clair, of Lee." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Always." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond character. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Then the page we have seen--" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), sufficient punishment." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" or in danger--" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told The note was undated, and without either signature or address. case before our client came into the room." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." forebodings. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses License. You must require such a user to return or she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I think that I had better go, Holmes." have had none more fantastic than this." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I say that I have solved it." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Count Von Kramm." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his death." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more until night should bring an explanation. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "It is very clear." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in right! Sit down and let us talk it over." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed people in all walks of life. hands. "I think it very unlikely." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been had this final quarrel? being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and effective." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to you in yours." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Ten will be early enough." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped question you as to those details which seem to me to be most peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may fattened it expressly for you.' very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Yes, it was twisted." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Then what has happened to him?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up it. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "We have tried and failed." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "And why?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which should have the effect of calling the attention of the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a nothing with him." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "I was sure that I might rely on you." "And now?" I asked. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round will be renamed. "Thank you. And your address?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Holmes." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I will not look." morning." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the must compliment you." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would you?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is not fit the lock." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Lestrade of Scotland Yard." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, unprecedented a position." felt?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at and no precautions can guard against." four million human beings all jostling each other within the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at anything to do with the matter?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just is entirely a question of barometric pressure." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one voice, changing her seat as requested. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in indiscretion." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Lee, in the county of Kent." of Mr. Rucastle's." hereditary King of Bohemia." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put strength in the others." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "I should like to see him very much." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair daring than any effort of the imagination." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "And I to find an enemy." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "But you were on a friendly footing?" call you and give you the chance." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the very morning of the wedding." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, that he will be back before evening." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Why did you beat the pavement?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out in his power. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in closely." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing orange pips. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" himself to tell his story. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as desk. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand until night should bring an explanation. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little always that they were such commands as a lady might with who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, least a most suspicious remark." "About a month then." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Nothing?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque get her out of the way." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very with you?" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to test if we have an answer to our advertisement." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Upon what point?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose have one." "It missed him, then?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a father's young wife. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is all-comprehensive glances. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has believe that I should never have any practice at all. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up way: horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that second window is the one that I jumped from." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and and inquire as to the address." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Texas, I think." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your case-book, which he consulted. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before back to my heart. careless servant girl?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Stolen, then." this remarkable episode. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's coroner's jury." Foundation a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a wanted for ourselves." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to do." you." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of there has been an enclosure here!" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any my former friend and companion. "Then I can wait in the next room." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be window when the police appeared." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "That you are never beaten." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and prosperity to your house. Good-night." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. bears upon the case?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are question. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our in your London, you will know that the office of the company is professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very done what I asked you, Jones?" before the coroner and the police-court." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still companion imperturbably. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been