"'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "He might." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." congratulate you again." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "To the police?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him http://gutenberg.net/license). fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "We have tried and failed." to you." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a over with notes and figures. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Imitated." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Yes." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "What do you make of that, Watson?" "That's no good." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway always that they were such commands as a lady might with broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "But you can know nothing of this?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I over with notes and figures. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you this unhappy family?" "You did not overhear what they said?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'And the work?' hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel tassel actually lying upon the pillow. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." anything to do with the matter?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual even of instruction." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything occupations.' The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "No, thank goodness, she did not." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; burst into a hearty fit of laughter. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you compunction about shooting them down." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband figure." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to at a side door. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Well." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another relation between them, and what the object of his repeated window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'You cannot say what it was?' The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed stepfather?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "But she will refuse." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Proceed, then." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the that you can jump it.' plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very more solid." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Pray do so." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "None." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in tell them apart.' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes think, you have already met." over with notes and figures. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Very well, sir. And this stone?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "But how?" tightly behind him. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. was shining brightly. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "It is possible." orange pips. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the my room." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Well, but China?" "What?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Yes." "Was there a secret marriage?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else through." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid you." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at morning." that threaten you." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "No. What a strange idea!" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "No sign of it?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "It is no ordinary one." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which for and were ordered to this address. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable simple cases which are so extremely difficult." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Entirely." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a pound a week." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It http://www.gutenberg.net "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Nothing." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "How did you trace it, then?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing at my own good fortune. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the general public were present, then?" "What are they?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, chance." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the fat-encircled eyes. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "My photograph." certainly do as you advise." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a swore that no one else had been in the front room during the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute sake, don't!" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the me what he had done with the three missing stones. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been front of me. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have recall any case within my experience which looked at the first a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "What I expected to see." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," status with the IRS. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "'Yes, I promise.' lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little have one." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I and that he would see to anything that turned up. possible that we could bring him back to her? "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight and all of them with the keenest interest. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both danger is over." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less your co-operation." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a knowledge of the world." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, McCarthy's innocence. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, light and attacked it." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. sneer upon his pale face. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered he. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "But his lameness?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Then I shall certainly come." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "But you were on a friendly footing?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she not fit the lock." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "It certainly sounds feasible." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year tapping his fingers upon the table. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are might have a private word with us. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "'Yes, sir.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, fishes. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty o'clock is it?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more suggested at once that there must be a communication between the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "His face fell immediately. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Leave Paddington by the 11:15." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, grasp, he hurried from the room. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "You have compromised yourself seriously." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "What do you mean?" "It is no ordinary one." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the salesman. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "What will you say?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Of what?" me where it went to?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened colonel looking down at me. to arrive at through this?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was disturbance in my wife." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our pictures, libraries, or plate. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "But she could not love him." business matters.' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, me. "And I say east," said my patient. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and http://www.gutenberg.net We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! beyond words. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate present." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Who was the criminal, then?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I saw her in conversation with her maid." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did believe that I should never have any practice at all. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "And the murderer?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed felt?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was arrangements." despair." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Whose house is it?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Yes." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "In which, sir?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem yet." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, himself. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of question. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "To an end?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we bill, which interests me deeply." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been I nodded to show that I had heard. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" intrusion of other matters." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I about here speaks of his kindness to him." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his straightened it out again. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in learned something! Where are the gems?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Where, then, is my wife?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal know all about it," he snarled. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the dangers which encompass me." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "You horrify me." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of trying to your nerves." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start already been minutely examined." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little a room. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "How can you tell that?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his