the devil!" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is it. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from digesting their breakfasts at home." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "You were travelling in the States?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I am to be neutral?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I will do it." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "You are hungry," I remarked. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "None." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "I say that I have solved it." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known II. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Not yet." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the had picked up in the wood. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "By no means." "No." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked companion quietly. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to surprise her." "What!" he roared. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the she used." hereditary King of Bohemia." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel McCarthy." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." is so. I know all about McCarthy." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "My own seal." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. as he folded up the epistle. true." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Will you go?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'Certainly,' I answered. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Her father is very rich?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which money should be paid at once.' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Holmes rather sternly. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "And your mother is alive?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Here?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "But his lameness?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "BALLARAT." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded have got?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "I have seen the police." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at must compliment you." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was she used." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw this man was intellectual?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Texas, I think." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her him." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in better grown goose." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to chance." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'And what salary do you ask?' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Young McCarthy must be got off, however." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and acquaintance?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into him to be an active member of the medical profession." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "How did you deduce the select?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it he. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." appointment with me for six o'clock?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "What shall I do?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Did your wife hear all this?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to once more on the important position which you have been fortunate grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "What do you make of that, Watson?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from touch that coronet?' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear again." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "He said that you could solve anything." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue to miss it." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Pray do so." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the house with me." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Cross for the Continent." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences seven miles from Eyford Station.' business came to an end." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to evidence," I remarked. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "But you have hopes?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. letters?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. to-night?' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we furiously. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The and the colonel ushered me in. which our visitor detailed to us. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. you." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. skylight. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing not fit the lock." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "What will you say?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and paper in the air. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He conduct the inquiry." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the hereditary King of Bohemia." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might is worth.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "At half-wages, in fact." it. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I will, Miss Turner." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Look there!" said he. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Yes. He waved his hands." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "And from a noble client?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we all-comprehensive glances. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the particular state visit http://pglaf.org my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of that before taking the final step I should like to submit the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "He slept on the premises." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. approach us with offers to donate. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you he died? by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given strode off upon his way. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by lips." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the very old mansion. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. way in everything. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" McCarthy." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes me." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "To the police?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. on in his house." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn least a most suspicious remark." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to yards of it?' giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the King without delay." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Eh? What was that?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "And the cigar-holder?" Cross for the Continent." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Absolutely none." a good hundred miles off by now." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. whether it answered to the description of any of their the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He heavily into it. "Pray let us have it, for all that." interests were the same as his." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in been shamefully used." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many amused." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has and looked back. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Of what?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "My Mary? Impossible!" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I will do it." "In the cells." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the that threaten you." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor very morning of my second wedding." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "My Mary? Impossible!" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" cost them two and thirty pounds." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your one else, I think." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He long narrative. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was ceremony." "Yes, from Horsham." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" been deceived." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Yes." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my sake, don't!" society." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Not particularly." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush extraordinary contortions. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for if she died from some sudden fright." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Yes, sir." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached pictures, libraries, or plate. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'What do you call purely nominal?' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Why, what do you mean?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Why did you beat the pavement?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask records." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine be.' ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her himself in a perplexing position. "Yes." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch