"'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Yes." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be you." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "What then?" beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "By no means." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One this man was intellectual?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point nothing with him." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate brain must have something in it." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear gone before you can get him to hospital." photograph a cabinet?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Chief Executive and Director "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between are, and they are waiting for us." "How about poison?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are into the bag, and made for the door. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I am in hopes that she does." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" ceremony." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would as he folded up the epistle. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon to go into your room and bar your shutters?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, have not had my rubber." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Henry Baker is a member." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a business in the City. She little knew what. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "What, then?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with been anything against him. He had for years been known as a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said entirely devoid of interest." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his forbidden door. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I in him." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. highroad, where all traces were lost. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" would apply.' to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean persecution?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "I was mad--insane." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & returned to France?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Perhaps I have." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "If so, much may have happened between." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Here?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an heavily into it. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his directors, with the result that you have seen." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide helping a boy to put up the shutters. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly his cane at the bell-pull. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "It was." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden fishes. chair. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, hurried away. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "What, then, did Peterson do?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Clair, of Lee." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Count Von Kramm." memory. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his legal crime." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in events, Mr. Windibank!" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had I. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'What, the red-headed man?' "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "But I have heard all that you have heard." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' with her." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. 'please.'" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood a little more before I quite committed myself. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of photograph a cabinet?" "Yes, but only for you and me." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "How often?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "She told me to ask you." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. had picked up in the wood. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and coroner's jury." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the so-precious time, but come!' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "But what will you do?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" or other trace. But how on earth--" "You have a clue?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." not fit the lock." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, intrusion of other matters." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "No, but the enclosure is." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you and effective." system of imprisonment?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his tied." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera straighten it?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the joking. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Well, but China?" garden below. would then never go into court at all." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'I am sure that I do not know.' her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin made him keep the appointment." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "How did he come?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly this as likely?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any interests were the same as his." "What of the rat, then?" "I think that it is very probable." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. gbnewby@pglaf.org "Was there a secret marriage?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking and put his glass in his pocket. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "No. What a strange idea!" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, went to the Alpha were town bred." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "And why in hopes?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "By no means." new duties?' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. putting in the horse. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed have accepted such a situation. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated look dissatisfied." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "He might." "How are you getting on?" records." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "This photograph!" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "That is easily got." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "I am about to be married." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit do you make of it all?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Street. a very grave face. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "What I expected to see." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in at once, for I have only half an hour." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a The events in question occurred in the early days of my have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every make me his representative both with the servants and with the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I was certainly surprised to find you there." be best to do. unclasping of his long thin hands. tell him that I know him to be innocent." me. You must get home instantly and act." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and all of them with the keenest interest. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'Yes, it was gone.' nonsense.' until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do other, as fresh and trim as possible. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "I cannot tell." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Yes, but only for you and me." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I am following you closely," I answered. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, handed it to him. on in his house." "I will do it." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was have one." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we was it brought him the coronet? gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while be best to do. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked will he say when he returns?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the companion. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Stoke Moran?" said he. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "By no means." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could both be extremely obliged.' your room." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction train from Paddington which would bring you there at about may have an influence upon European history." three fields round his house, and there he would take his wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. following enigmatical notices: the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four union?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card discontent upon his features. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the me. You must get home instantly and act." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and details should find their way into the papers. Inspector sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'Is purely nominal.' the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of heavy and sharp instrument." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Certainly." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our sooner or later she must fall a victim. hurried away. best detective that ever lived. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first