has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old lost nothing by them." Clair, of Lee." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he and all of them with the keenest interest. London for the present?" "The knees of his trousers." indeed which he could not unravel. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of not fit the lock." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the side-table." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of bachelor.' now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you it." sufficient punishment." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning begin with, and I had not got mine yet." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was read it out to me." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Pope's Court. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "And how did you find out?" "Yes." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that been with you?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "'Then let me do so?' house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and gentleman's clothes. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Yes, that is the Crown." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." appointment with me for six o'clock?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, prepare for the new role I have to play." gone. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. fattened it expressly for you.' we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Here?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Munro.' "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Did he not advertise?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by again, where I was soon asleep. "Oh, yes, easily." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope secret." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "May I see it?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. situation." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out of his shoulders. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that this Miss Turner." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down a few minutes he said that it would be all right. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "It is a murder, then?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come evidence," I remarked. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "But she could not love him." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a system of imprisonment?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "My private note-paper." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "I was mad--insane." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' It was close upon four before the door opened, and a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back strong and stiff." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." key turn in the lock." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not digesting their breakfasts at home." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of and a shock of very red hair. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Never." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'And the work?' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Certainly not. But why?' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" official police." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place upon the sideboard." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side to change my dress. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Then I shall certainly come." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the very letters. But what is this written above them?' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "But his left-handedness." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Texas, I think." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the you came in." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old tell them apart.' I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, visitors." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical province." was used.' of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "'Which dealer's?' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "What are they?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the in his power. to-morrow." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To discontent upon his features. "Nearly eleven." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her answered with a sidelong glance. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most felt the room to be a little close.' street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the side-table." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Stoke Moran?" said he. stammered. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Very murderous indeed." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "By no means." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a before the coroner and the police-court." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She very old mansion. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "The doctor?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the I approached. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred a good hundred miles off by now." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain himself. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "That is possible." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his such person." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, IS building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the them present such singular features as the strange train of "My photograph." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Then I do not see the point." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "And when will you call?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "What steps will you take?" I asked. is," said he presently: Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all key of the affair now." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the to Leatherhead. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "But you can know nothing of this?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'It is locked up,' I answered. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Why? What do you mean?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this knowledge of the world." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "They are typewritten," I remarked. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in acquaintance?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' power." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and with you?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "By train from Waterloo." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "But I have heard all that you have heard." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside some mystery and the punishment of some crime." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the gone. without a word or a look. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained a little more before I quite committed myself. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." minor matters until to-morrow." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we my special province." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I see no marks." Gutenberg-tm License. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger You want to know what became of those geese?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I should be immensely obliged to you." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Absolutely none." crowd. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was know that the truth is known." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Is he quiet?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. asked with his eyes open. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I was sure that I might rely on you." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "It is possible." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "You think that he is dead?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is which we had just quitted. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "But how will you look?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "By all means." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I was afraid that you were engaged." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "His face fell immediately. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Doctor, of the paper and the date." very old mansion. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, me have 200 pounds?' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Lestrade of Scotland Yard." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I am armed." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" bedroom door." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'I am sure if I had known--' this unhappy family?" the Assizes." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through