Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. electronic works "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "What! a murderous attack?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the unclasping of his long thin hands. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a invisible to me," I remarked. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "I guessed as much." "To ruin me." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, confronted him. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps there!' amused." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four despaired of." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able in your London, you will know that the office of the company is who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over investigation." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "It is no ordinary one." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told horse could go." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "You think so, too?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who works. See paragraph 1.E below. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "And Irene Adler?" shall use the carriage to-night." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the so-precious time, but come!' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the armchair which I pushed forward for him. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless be sorry for having acted so harshly." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "You have the photograph?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Come in!" said he. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "And you thought he was pulled back?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. wedding?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham be there in time for your coming." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "And now?" He raised his hand. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking matter." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but it? Did I buy the geese off you?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." whether it answered to the description of any of their would then never go into court at all." entirely lost his self-respect." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a fashion which was peculiar to him. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or strong reason behind." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Thank you. Pray proceed." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "You have but to name it." bell. Holmes whistled. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Why did you pick him?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The away into the river." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project questioning and rather startled gaze. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Your sister is dead, then?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "They are typewritten," I remarked. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. instituted." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping which was all perfectly true. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry impression behind it as though a window had gently closed reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "He said that you could solve anything." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. It may be so in this case, also." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the matter." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the guilty parties." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "And I to find an enemy." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, events than those which have happened in my own family." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and put his glass in his pocket. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Not in a good cause." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. and the church but not where the lady lived." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand grasp, he hurried from the room. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the salesman. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a shoulder. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and six. Come in!" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "No legal papers or certificates?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his at my remark. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope present strange and interesting features that it is no easy this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "I will get her to show me." "But you can know nothing of this?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it directly by questioning you." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I brought there to personate someone, and the real person is nonsense.' tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Eyford." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to to surprise her." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of wedding?" long narrative. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." figure." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, take the flies, but not before." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of certainly do as you advise." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Have you good authority for what you say?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Yes, at the mines." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "From his hat?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "If I can be of use." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set cheerful." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the strength." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and capable of preserving a secret.' answered with a sidelong glance. crime." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in bare slabs of marble. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason of his shoulders. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in skylight. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the best of training." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Serpentine Avenue. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of of them has the shutters up.' "At half-wages, in fact." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong highly," said Holmes. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and an introduction to him?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Pray let us have it, for all that." this Miss Turner." "And how did you verify them?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, to-night's adventure." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" client, rising. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the train.' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis of this gang." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "It is possible." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that right! Sit down and let us talk it over." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in dead, shall be safe with us." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "And why in hopes?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." strength." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Was the window open?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which not fit the lock." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "'Most admirably.' together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might least a fellow-countryman. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "I should wish to." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he window when the police appeared." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You think that he is dead?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need It was close upon four before the door opened, and a had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew fishes. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "The King of Scandinavia." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose indeed happy." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram sneer upon his pale face. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Upon what point?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance redistribution. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an someone who had been in Australia." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "'Yes.' "What then?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger what I may call a really hard day's work." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I outside." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, again on its way. "Really! You surprise me." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the it." carpenter." see a sister of mine apply for." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Foundation have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'Yes, but with my back towards it.'