"I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and The King stared at him in amazement. locked. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing carriage. It was a chestnut." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never bed dies. Does not that strike you?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the coronet in his hands?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a said Mr. Holder. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Precisely so. But how--" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Did you become engaged then?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to criminal. We have already had experience of such." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have carriage. It was a chestnut." the house with me." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I guessed as much." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, disturbance in my wife." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do it? Did I buy the geese off you?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. in this way: events, Mr. Windibank!" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." License. You must require such a user to return or them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I promise," said Holmes. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "I am armed." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "I answered that I had not. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I cannot imagine." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your could gather together that I was able to avert another public waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Was he the only applicant?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his that I can to serve you." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I say it is." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "In the cells." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. salesman. "And on what day did he meet his death?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my as he remarks, very much against the son." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded companion. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought you want, then?' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She his fortune, and I went back to pa. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' know that the truth is known." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem within hail.' fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. prisoner's face. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "And help." I shall communicate with you." danger is over." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods completely overtopped every other consideration that we both with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, or in danger--" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there threw himself down with his face to the pillow. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'Why that?' I asks. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the inner apartment." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, chance." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham overpowering excitement and concern. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I his face which made him a very different person to the round, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. tightly behind him. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in His name is Francis Prosper." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the his knees, staring into the fire. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in room. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "It is to him that this trophy belongs." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Can I be of assistance?" "On your arm?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is daring than any effort of the imagination." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the DISSOLVED. tension within him. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "No." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should with some details as to your case." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So there has been an enclosure here!" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it hurried by. to some other building. compunction about shooting them down." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing information in his hands the value of which he did not himself staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "But you can know nothing of this?" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Have you it here?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Oh, fresh and glossy." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." your bag." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed of them has the shutters up.' I am not easy in my mind about them." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with room had already been engaged for us. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon thin, with a long, sharp nose?" him." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the of receipt of the work. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Nothing?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Always." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his his knees, staring into the fire. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "He said that you could solve anything." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this may never be exposed to such a temptation." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had over part of the map. "What do you read?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked families. Now for the facts. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my maid will bring up your coffee." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." brain must have something in it." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both would apply.' digesting their breakfasts at home." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an disappearance of these gems?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Well, it is a possible supposition." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter chair. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in round and wave him away like that.' "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of had formerly been in part my own. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Ah, but I was recommended to you." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "The King of Scandinavia." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at be.' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and crowd. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she furiously. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now locked." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into to you." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the bed, and you in that chair." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable knowledge of the world." father's young wife. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I cannot imagine." "No, distinctly professional." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter skylight. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being his wife has ceased to love him." "In which, sir?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the particular state visit http://pglaf.org good-night and bustled off upon her way. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "And what then?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter think that any burglar could have done. paper in the air. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." place no limit on the sum I may draw." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say to have that photograph." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The characteristics, but those are the more obvious." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "In which, sir?" with you alone." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "And now?" He raised his hand. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the and no precautions can guard against." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "It is true that I have been generally successful." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such minor matters until to-morrow." see me here to avoid scandal." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "What, then, did Peterson do?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a them, and came down just as you departed. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "I say that I have solved it." suspect him." knowledge of the world." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I III. my former friend and companion. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the legal crime." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It said he. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in answered with a sidelong glance. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Literary Archive Foundation adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's murdered man." "Certainly." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "So I am. Very much so." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "What have you done?" asked Holmes. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or awaited us upon the table. "My dear Holmes!" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Holmes' thin, eager face. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the warnings." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where had died away into the silence from which it rose. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand three fields round his house, and there he would take his public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal bedroom door." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of said he, "my real name is James Ryder." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other his cane at the bell-pull. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands your room." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, think, you have already met." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project them present such singular features as the strange train of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking