"'About the same.' "And what did you see?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave photograph a cabinet?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the where she found matters as described by the last witness. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," indeed which he could not unravel. to-night." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "My dear Holmes!" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Of Friday, June 19th." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "And it is--" papers." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. conceal it?" "You will not go there first?" not, dad?" she asked. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. me have 200 pounds?' country, and eventually married, without anyone having a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under must be when I saw the door open.' Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I at my remark. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own overpowering excitement and concern. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "But you can know nothing of this?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I say that I have solved it." page at http://pglaf.org young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. my former friend and companion. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew again, where I was soon asleep. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yes." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the inner apartment." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. arrangements." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I upon the white wrist. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, 1.E.9. "But his left-handedness." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I have seen the police." least a fellow-countryman. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now once more to my work. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Nearly eleven." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester it? Did I buy the geese off you?" 1.E.9. rat could hardly pass through." "But I have heard all that you have heard." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Did you become engaged then?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Tired-looking or fresh?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of upon a handsome competence. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, into the bag, and made for the door. during that time.' "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Could he throw no light?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see galvanised. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, his face which made him a very different person to the round, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Was the window open?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "I should like to see him very much." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many bonnet, and went out." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." I took the paper from him and read as follows: relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "My opinion is in no way altered." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more was shining brightly. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." where we are going." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the inquest, and which are worth considering." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about may have an influence upon European history." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the appeal." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in neither fascinating nor artistic." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of congratulate you again." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the coronet at all injured?" "Yes." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old evidence," I remarked. of a light. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. cigars in the box." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in this note: array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell happened." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" written. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "At what time?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the skylight. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me The police have openly confessed that they can at present make is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for you, my dear young lady?' for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be where we are going." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a IS "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you him." "You did not overhear what they said?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. habit of advancing money.' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself me. You must get home instantly and act." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "The knees of his trousers." the little opening for the ventilator is." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "How can you tell that?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the chance at all." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a ago." stammered. "I do." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "You were travelling in the States?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you your billet.' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "That is not always so easy." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly standing smiling on the door-step. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' province." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "The gentleman I describe." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand you found me to-night--and running through the front room she can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. weary and pale-looking. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, before the coroner and the police-court." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "What! You do not mean bodies?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "What are they?" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he of Mr. Rucastle's." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were mysterious business." gone. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' silent! Oh, he will be silent!' preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic License. You must require such a user to return or ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. article?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "But you can know nothing of this?" in one or two places in England?' copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." character. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was closing the door. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Holmes' face clouded over. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. him to go away.' saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened followed. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "You are certainly joking, Holmes." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Where does the thing come from?' Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. nothing with him." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the feature." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and and laid it on the table. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I shall most certainly do so." again." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a new duties?' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "At the wedding breakfast." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding like that before?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum annoyance, but no jest. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I have come for advice." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone and no precautions can guard against." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little him nearly every evening." "It is solved." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? have established a very serious case against the son of the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "In which, sir?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the warnings." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about of the efforts of the United States government and of the better work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed absolutely follow my advice in every respect." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "And the murderer?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was good-night and bustled off upon her way. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of 'please.'" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "It certainly sounds feasible." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Certainly, madam." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his face. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do a very grave face. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the a monotonous occupation." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the said he. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most and the church but not where the lady lived." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I cannot think." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the general public were present, then?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had was shining brightly. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "And the cigar-holder?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as