and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm weapon." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and despair." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the tightly behind him. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I see no marks." "She walked into the breakfast-room." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I cannot tell." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "The King of Scandinavia." as he folded up the epistle. the Assizes." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave call it cruel." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe key turn in the lock." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a way in everything. "Then he might have called to you?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm affair. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." politicians who had been sent down from the North. interested in these little problems, and since you are good murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "No." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan make me his representative both with the servants and with the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the enough to aid us in our search." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "What office?" my former friend and companion. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I cannot imagine." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "The knees of his trousers." "Dark enough and sinister enough." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Eh? What was that?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the me what he had done with the three missing stones. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in spare." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I am about to be married." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had for the market.' always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced the so-precious time, but come!' "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others daring than any effort of the imagination." place of silver." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Yes, I have one waiting." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Countess of Morcar's?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "I see many objections to any such theory." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy prison!" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of or in danger--" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "My opinion is in no way altered." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "And help." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Where is it, then?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and down. to some other building. night.' said he. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Witness: I must still refuse. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "None." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "You were travelling in the States?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added been lifted and conveyed somewhere." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your in him." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to records." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "But I am all in the dark." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a to have that photograph." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "The vanishing of the lady." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence to surprise her." good for you to do.' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day I approached. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Nearly eleven." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my your equipment. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "There is the writing." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good wife's character?" "You are all wrong." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. bearing upon the case." Sutherland. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and John Swain, of St. Augustine. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "What steps will you take?" I asked. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Who by?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then if I call to-morrow?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had have not had my rubber." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other might help us?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in did not hear it also.' "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and details." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It looks newer than the other things?" back into the street. said he. a very grave face. taking in every detail of the apartment. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the foot. "You horrify me." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "The knees of his trousers." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock young Openshaw's." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Perfectly so." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some and laid it on the table. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "It surprised me." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and you want, then?' memory. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have lips." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of he bowed and left the room without another word. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some good-night and bustled off upon her way. them present such singular features as the strange train of came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "It is true that I have been generally successful." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. this remarkable episode. breakfast." Again Holmes raved in the air. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would most important business. It is probable that he will be away all other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "His face fell immediately. outside. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I perplexity from it to my illustrious client. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it as he remarks, very much against the son." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of drove away. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "How did that help you?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "That is it on the dressing-table." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness joking. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Ample." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "But you can know nothing of this?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the strong and stiff." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "One?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as 'please.'" fishes. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'Yes.' absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "How often?" villagers almost as much as their master. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange hour?' he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Do you know him?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "None." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, fattened it expressly for you.' going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. and put his glass in his pocket. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon most important business. It is probable that he will be away all opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of be sorry for having acted so harshly." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His suggested at once that there must be a communication between the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It my friend's incisive reasoning. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Eh? What was that?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A do." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'Yes, it was gone.' and that he would see to anything that turned up. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your evidence," I remarked. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Holmes' room. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been forebodings. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and again on its way. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'Where to?' feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my of campaign. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come best detective that ever lived. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Then, as to money?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "But how did you gain them?" McCarthy's innocence. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Mary, has deserted me." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as acquaintance?" the driver. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "And why in hopes?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I have established a very serious case against the son of the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and thin legs towards the fire. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'And the work?' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, your bag." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." beyond words. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another