had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a has little to do with my story." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "But you have hopes?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was there." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her chair. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and looked back. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the eavesdroppers?' As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Pray do so." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Yes. He waved his hands." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, think, you have already met." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Clair, of Lee." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real place of silver." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. had this final quarrel? darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot is a common subject for conversation. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian affection." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a But Holmes shook his head gravely. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." fait accompli?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such and capable of preserving a secret.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab really the only notable feature about the thing." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "On Monday." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that golden eyeglasses. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR reach." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their and your relations to her." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the coronet in his hand?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, his grey eyes. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Here?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us detective. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "She walked into the breakfast-room." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The narrative." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man foresight and the moral retrogression?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "But you can know nothing of this?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was furiously. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the coronet in his hands?" to tell." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "No more words. Get out!" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Awake, Watson?" he asked. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to His smile broadened. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't have had none more fantastic than this." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a was a perfect sample of the class. from the brougham. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to locked." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "No, but the enclosure is." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn business?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "And how did you find out?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had main points of my analysis." question," said Holmes, smiling. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock humiliation." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no legal crime." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient is now desirous of getting those letters back." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' secret." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he bearing upon the case." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "But of what society?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. one else, I think." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "What will you say?" easy-going way." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "You know me, then?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Quite so." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you skylight. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a secret." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Yes, he did." "I am about to be married." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it this man was intellectual?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some father's young wife. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it if I call to-morrow?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned less than 26s. 4d. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong tell them apart.' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon man. I know him from the photograph." again, where I was soon asleep. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, sound at heart." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I village inn over there?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave of note-paper. It read in this fashion: whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and eat it." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." you came in." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "From his hat?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "And when will you call?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Precisely so. But how--" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at once more for Briony Lodge. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would residence of the great financier. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, you in yours." "'About the same.' me where it went to?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." deduce something from that?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this a suggestive one." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Ah!" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a away to you." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not bird I ate is country bred." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of detained." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Whose house is it?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "You saw the ventilator, too?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you hands. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who electronic works so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I never have." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the coronet in his hand?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into very morning of my second wedding." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "The knees of his trousers." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a murdered man." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, face and glided from the room. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "I see no marks." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "But how?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a compunction about shooting them down." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "But we can't all be." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" unprecedented a position." to a light-house. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Perhaps we may make them less so." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible more solid." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Was your sister dressed?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up of a light. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "And Irene Adler?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by of his shoulders. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at hour?' "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much happened." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a she to prove their authenticity?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "The King of Scandinavia." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard States. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular cause to be." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "None." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Precisely." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope once more on the important position which you have been fortunate say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. writer." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "That's no good." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and straighten it?" "'Why that?' I asks. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, brandy and water within his reach. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'Most admirably.' grasp, he hurried from the room. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Does that suggest anything?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to them present such singular features as the strange train of one's self under obligations.' "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first cup of tea. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against again." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Dirty?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with relief. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Where is it, then?"