of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual outbreak?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips off." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an tied." "Well, some hundreds of times." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "And you don't know his address?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my was shining brightly. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Witness: Nothing definite. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and only touch the interest." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding that I may have something better before very many minutes are even of instruction." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what miles off. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very breakfast?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the 11:15.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Certainly." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes pictures, libraries, or plate. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." infinite languor in his face. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. criminal. We have already had experience of such." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "The landlord of the Alpha." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come absolutely follow my advice in every respect." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to into the bag, and made for the door. "What are they?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "'Ample.' to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. come either from the window or the door. My attention was him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Your presence might be invaluable." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was mystery!" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had presume?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "It is very clear." "Stolen." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not standing smiling on the door-step. better in every way that they should make their position a little "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned asked with his eyes open. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking with her." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. you." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the coronet at all injured?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Then what has happened to him?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door What do you deduce from it?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain cigars in the box." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Not social, then?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "You saw the ventilator, too?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." to miss it." her also." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "None." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then during that time.' opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about visitors." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Precisely." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' murdered man." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing to you." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in official police." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've you understand?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. outside." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side I shall continue with my miserable story. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "The landlord of the Alpha." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on invisible to me," I remarked. Mrs. Toller serenely. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "One of the highest in England." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be you in yours." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The telegram would bring me down to your help." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the me. You must get home instantly and act." "You were travelling in the States?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was said I. carried out of court." "Whose house is it?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose questionable one." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed think, you have already met." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook followed. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to he died? "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "And how did you verify them?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." tapping his fingers upon the table. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the down. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "And for present expenses?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved invisible to me," I remarked. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me started for the Temple to see my husband. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "On the contrary, this is the right side." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the general public were present, then?" done what I asked you, Jones?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner friends, not even his own brother. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Henry Baker is a member." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens bearing upon the case." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, green of the new foliage. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' evidence," I remarked. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. room. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the house with me." chance at all." that I am arrested." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love simple cases which are so extremely difficult." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked standing smiling on the door-step. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Arthur Conan Doyle had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and it need not interfere very much with one's other Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "That also I could fathom." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up appointment with me for six o'clock?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled breakfast?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Will you go?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded photograph?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the iron safe, which he closed upon it. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the colour had been driven from his face. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection his huge brown hands. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Then how many are there?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "That is also quite modern," said the lady. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air a good hundred miles off by now." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was was it brought him the coronet? "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather chance." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "That you are never beaten." "None." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, better grown goose." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but that returned to France?" "Ha! you find it so?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in fear." you do it in twenty minutes!' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy never will be, entirely cleared up. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Why, it's a dummy," said he. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his companion. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut British peeress.'" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, in the port of London." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend question. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely his knees, staring into the fire. it right.' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the unprecedented a position." "I do." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in companion. "What is it, then--a fire?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Absolutely none." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "No." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and congenial hunt. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "None." "Is he quiet?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Your sister is dead, then?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in His name is Francis Prosper." "What I expected to see." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." deduce something from that?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, distinguish the words: the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry and looked back. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "This photograph!" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the little opening for the ventilator is." "I don't believe it." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Oh, yes, easily." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of detained." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "No bad?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with one of them." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "None." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "And what did you learn from him?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "But his lameness?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down results." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Holmes, the busybody!" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "None. Neville wrote those words." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and