vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in nonsense.' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "It is possible." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be lamp. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Stolen, then." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are direction." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the like that before?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Precisely." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." photograph?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "BALLARAT." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "You will not go there first?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others weigh very heavily upon my conscience." hair?' the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the case-book, which he consulted. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. photograph?" "Witness: Nothing definite. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must comes from the middle window." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "I have come for advice." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, later, upon the night of May 2nd." "And from a noble client?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in over here." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "He disappeared so suddenly." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by were new raised from a basin. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "But how did you gain them?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched man. I know him from the photograph." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a meant." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. all that?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "It's nothing of the kind." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her shall not find me ungrateful." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "'Then let me do so?' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the to tackle the facts." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Never." forebodings. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Then I can wait in the next room." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Never." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the coronet in his hand?" hereditary King of Bohemia." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, is now desirous of getting those letters back." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "To an end?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, not personally threatened." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Certainly." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the so-precious time, but come!' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a I shall communicate with you." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered experiences." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the papers." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that side. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." lost nothing by them." your most interesting statement." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they charge against him will break down." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering delighted to hear it," he said. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. time." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the several quiet little villages up there." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the someone who had been in Australia." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the fattened it expressly for you.' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "'What, the red-headed man?' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Why? What do you mean?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and of his shoulders. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Mary, has deserted me." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "That is easily got." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Holmes rather sternly. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, highly," said Holmes. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is awkward doing business with an alias." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I cannot tell." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a the nursery. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these his eyes and forehead. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to four million human beings all jostling each other within the locked." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Yes." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "A client, then?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all how narrow had been my escape. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and face and glided from the room. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I will, Miss Turner." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Holmes' room. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused strength in the others." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'And what salary do you ask?' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the round with crates and massive boxes. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the house with me." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. bled considerably." presented more singular features than that which was associated tension within him. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Arthur Conan Doyle "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and The events in question occurred in the early days of my 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You fishes. occurred." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to happened." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Serpentine Avenue. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and better grown goose." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "What do you make of that, Watson?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought not, dad?" she asked. I was concerned in it." "Why did you pick him?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Yes, it would be as well." "Yes." himself. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of room. DAMAGE. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Where did you address your letters, then?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the morning." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a like gravel from a pit.' "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out very old mansion. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove never to learn it at all." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this to me. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Yes." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty I leave." "Yes." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether conduct the inquiry." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, standing smiling on the door-step. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which guilty parties." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard taking in every detail of the apartment. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for south, for the country is more deserted there." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Leadenhall Street--and--" beg that you will break it off." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "He slept on the premises." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a notes," he said. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "And your father? Did you tell him?" I leave." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even something of him before." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Holmes' face clouded over. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, them?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Yes." which it had come upon my father." like that before?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which shall not find me ungrateful." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal outside. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Sutherland?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "No." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Henry Baker is a member." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "That is unusual in a young girl." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is arrested. You then--" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black