like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I have seen the police." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a in my life." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Who by?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. so.' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of awkward doing business with an alias." London for the present?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. flock.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to fact, we may call it conclusive." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I should wish to." "I think it very unlikely." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his that there was nothing in it, after all." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with will not take me long to tell. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "What!" he roared. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "And how have you succeeded?" himself in a perplexing position. "Married! When?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Cross for the Continent." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Whose house is it?" Street. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I empty. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like and it need not interfere very much with one's other Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place yet." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage there has been an enclosure here!" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. notes," he said. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "It is no ordinary one." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was ways of our fellow-men." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. been." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled gigantic client. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I think that it is very probable." carried out of court." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." over part of the map. "What do you read?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "I came to find a friend." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. lost his Christmas dinner." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it showing my impatience. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, read over the extraordinary announcement. "Very. But will he see it?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Nothing?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Deserted you?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Henry Baker is a member." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Get out!" said he. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "On the contrary, this is the right side." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." himself. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are congratulate you again." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside discontent upon his features. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would invisible to me," I remarked. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east green of the new foliage. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to over here." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for colonel looking down at me. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. to tell." so.' as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "No. His orders were to stay in the house." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I fear not." hurried by. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was formed some opinion?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, photograph a cabinet?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of you in your example." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. look upon these things in a different way." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there room had already been engaged for us. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Of what?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the bottom.' becomes even more simple." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." secret." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. them, and came down just as you departed. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "And who is her maid?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. look dissatisfied." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand row." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out depend upon my doing so.' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the south, for the country is more deserted there." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock was a loud and authoritative tap. hurried away. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Get out!" said he. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Holmes' room. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "And Miss Sutherland?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. examine." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried companion quietly. go from here to the Strand." I am not easy in my mind about them." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the inner apartment." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing call you and give you the chance." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I have solved it." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "But you were on a friendly footing?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was geese which you supplied to the Alpha." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will desk. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "And how did you find out?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Mary, has deserted me." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "But his left-handedness." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Here?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case purpose of examination. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "What is it, then--a fire?" to a light-house. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." compunction about shooting them down." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Come in!" said Holmes. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Chief Executive and Director "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "What I expected to see." Leadenhall Street--and--" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "That was it, sir." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "That was it, sir." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible your sleep?' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I have hopes." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant speckled band?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate best detective that ever lived. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "They are typewritten," I remarked. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, awaited us upon the table. status with the IRS. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "And I." hurried away. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single pound a week." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of again, where I was soon asleep. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "My opinion is in no way altered." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak points in connection with it which never have been, and probably but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a door?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "You have the photograph?" "None." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw ago." "Precisely." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for attention." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "You have compromised yourself seriously." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. must be when I saw the door open.' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had your Highness to the police-station?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "I cannot imagine." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he in a friendly supper." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: arrangements." gigantic client. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "And that is--" papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his politicians who had been sent down from the North. highly," said Holmes. "But he might be a bachelor." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard useful material for showing traces. The double line a little however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily British peeress.'" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest troubles have been weighing upon his mind. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a distinguish the words: here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Yes." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is salesman. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret neither fascinating nor artistic." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the observed. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle copied or distributed: reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off third from London." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "It is true that I have been generally successful." obstinate." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes."