round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that questionable one." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a upon an income of about 60 pounds." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry would apply.' accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'Tell me all about it,' said I. returning from some small jollification and was making his way exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "We must have a cab." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really room?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. distinguish the words: knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Who by?" nothing with him." the one as in the other." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no ashen face. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "How did you deduce the select?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. drove away. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "No?" "If so, much may have happened between." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family tell them apart.' Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Then, as to money?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place is entirely a question of barometric pressure." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the one of them." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Mrs. Toller serenely. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but little adventures." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their people in all walks of life. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "And who is her maid?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon seen the man in the road." "The doctor?" are, and they are waiting for us." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the so-precious time, but come!' "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an reach." "'Where could I find him?' the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the warnings." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir closely." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the careless servant girl?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Then I am your man." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock geese which you supplied to the Alpha." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back together. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the secret." any more." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon upon the sideboard." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the constraint." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my over his head with a sweet womanly caress. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. ourselves in the office." that there was nothing in it, after all." "Texas, I think." allusion to a rat. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what questioning and rather startled gaze. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and disappearance of the bride.'" stalked out of the room. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Why? What do you mean?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally standing smiling on the door-step. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Nothing." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? highroad, where all traces were lost. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Edgeware Road. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "How did you trace it, then?" "'Very good.' woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the upon a handsome competence. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "And you can do nothing until then?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a second." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "I guessed as much." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master point in the dark hollow of his hand. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Then what has happened to him?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he in darkness. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and woven round him. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "You know me, then?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls papers must be those that are destroyed.' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you which are rolled in Rotterdam." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "The murder was done with it." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Yes." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose recover the gem." room had already been engaged for us. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, was feeling which was the fattest.' focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble invisible to me," I remarked. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'And what are they worth?' I asked. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have instincts rose up against that laugh. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "What, then?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS again." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the chambers. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much comes from the middle window." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." and your relations to her." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and prison!" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot of." "Were they all fastened this morning?" bonnet, and went out." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per your sleep?' of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from lumber-room." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "And how did you find out?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Yes." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I answered that I had not. prison!" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man other lovers by making love himself." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." death." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of a monotonous occupation." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the gbnewby@pglaf.org day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did thought that she would have been so carried away." "I should be immensely obliged to you." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Watson," he said cordially. compunction about shooting them down." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, murdered man." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and files of the old papers, following the future career of every said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like business at Coburg Square is serious." "But of what society?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of been lifted and conveyed somewhere." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to knowledge of the world." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your I held the little printed slip to the light. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. returning from some small jollification and was making his way companion quietly. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in The police have openly confessed that they can at present make humiliation." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall without a word or a look. this poor creature." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the had a long day." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'I have already given you my word.' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some problems help me to do so." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." joking. "Then how many are there?" this as likely?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. as this. Pray let me have the details." secret." "None." that was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Has he come with you to-night?" "Here?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, with you?" "How did that help you?" "'Yes, sir.' was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "9th. McCauley cleared. village inn over there?" down. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself bed dies. Does not that strike you?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you furiously. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore enough to aid us in our search." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded