lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to at a side door. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of pound a week." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his prison!" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists noise which awoke you from your sleep?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I cannot tell." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I say it is." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Oh, the cause is excellent!" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common o'clock is it?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored over here." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his lost nothing by them." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Not in a good cause." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Not particularly." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which been lifted and conveyed somewhere." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "I shall most certainly do so." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close in my life." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his memory. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should have one." the Assizes." soul! here is her carriage at the door." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. system of imprisonment?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from is so. I know all about McCarthy." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of written. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "'Never,' said I. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Arthur Conan Doyle confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "You forget that I know nothing about it." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons more solid." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary woven round him. you in your example." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. really the only notable feature about the thing." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Yes, from Horsham." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my six. Come in!" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, golden eyeglasses. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'Yes, I promise.' "And now?" He raised his hand. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and as he folded up the epistle. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "But what will you do?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." never came back." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose you, my dear young lady?' should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "But we can't all be." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, new duties?' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and to take care of herself." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly him!" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran other means.' "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the running down." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. despair." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'Oh, no.' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "'Yes, sir.' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by appointment with me for six o'clock?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "How on earth--" him. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake business came to an end." "And what did you learn from him?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Tired-looking or fresh?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one business at Coburg Square is serious." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Nothing." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch empty. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a disappearance of these gems?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort legal crime." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to ill-usage at the hands of fortune. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "'Ample.' all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "On Monday." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" experiences." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting business in the City. She little knew what. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and very old mansion. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "My opinion is in no way altered." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few closely." "Was he the only applicant?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The lost his Christmas dinner." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "No." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Yes, from Horsham." standing smiling on the door-step. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to envelope. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'Yes, I promise.' "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is himself to tell his story. it." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "It is very kind of you." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" second." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "At the wedding breakfast." bled considerably." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and questionable one." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "'Where to?' misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a stepfather?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "You have carte blanche." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in room?" at my own good fortune. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me guilty parties." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought certainly not very gracious." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the inner apartment." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one three of the beryls in it, was missing. murdered man." the dangers which encompass me." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "And how have you succeeded?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from corner of the building. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. British peeress.'" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Then I am your man." him and tried to hold him back. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "To an English lawyer named Norton." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Where, indeed?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Frequently." "No." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought shall not find me ungrateful." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to generous with you in money matters.' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim once more. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or shaken than I had ever seen him. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, looking up at the numbers of the houses." and all of them with the keenest interest. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have carpenter." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, think that any burglar could have done. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. was already answered. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, one else, I think." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. it." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'There is a drive, then?' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Imitated." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study you found me to-night--and running through the front room she girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled case-book, which he consulted. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "9th. McCauley cleared. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain head. So long, then!" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE even of instruction." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have experiences." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "And who is her maid?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he several quiet little villages up there." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Where, then?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was address. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'Is purely nominal.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and seen the man in the road." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, returning from some small jollification and was making his way indiscretion." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Will you go?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My outsides of the windows. cost them two and thirty pounds." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, returning from some small jollification and was making his way abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans."