"Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "There is the writing." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'Yes.' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Lestrade of Scotland Yard." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the ran thus: "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Foundation face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the stalked out of the room. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time you came in." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "But I have heard all that you have heard." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing to that open window." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad certainly not very gracious." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that case-book, which he consulted. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his returned to France?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. least a fellow-countryman. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in attention." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the your bag." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Has he come with you to-night?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over have got?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Well, some hundreds of times." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a me. You must get home instantly and act." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Again Holmes raved in the air. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink later, upon the night of May 2nd." questionable one." 1.F. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and hard-headed British jury." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life fish-monger and a tide-waiter." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, 1.E.9. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you The police have openly confessed that they can at present make of the one which your family is now devouring." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "If I can be of use." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. even of instruction." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Sutherland. the tragedy. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'Most admirably.' "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." matter." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But danger is over." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, crackling voice. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Sutherland. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "You are hungry," I remarked. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "The doctor?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel God! What an exposure! What can I do?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Get out!" said he. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Never to return." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H ran thus: lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Have you her photograph?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the coronet in his hands?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the disturbance in my wife." one of them." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "A call for help, you thought?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "What, then?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we vanished into the darkness. do you make of it all?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Nor running a chance of arrest?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we States. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily paper in the air. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Holmes rather sternly. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Yesterday." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "How about poison?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'Entirely.' the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows opened the door, and slipped through. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "You heard nothing yourself last night?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you galvanised. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "No, distinctly professional." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that which was all perfectly true. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it said he at last. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Thank you. And your address?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Why did you beat the pavement?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch delighted to hear it," he said. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and enter Dr. Roylott's room." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were if I call to-morrow?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I writing, and yet I know it well." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "No." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Yes." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "You horrify me!" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you disappearance of the bride.'" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "On the contrary, this is the right side." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Witness: It was. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past answer." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "The vanishing of the lady." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Pray be precise as to details," said he. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'What, the red-headed man?' as the one I chose?' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "And how did he make his money?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and looked back. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." examine." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs populous neighbourhood." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "I don't say that. Perhaps." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "It's nothing of the kind." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to six. Come in!" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, there!' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back make me his representative both with the servants and with the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Nothing." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas back alive. London for the present?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Only as much as we can deduce." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Will you bet, then?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew look dissatisfied." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I warn you that they are very incomplete." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts one of them." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Her father is very rich?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a all?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and sound at heart." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could you." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "No." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father train from Paddington which would bring you there at about company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who roused himself from his reverie. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at have not had my rubber." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which call it cruel." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and records." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the there is a decided draught." open." it." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who you for a few hours?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Yes, I have one waiting." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "But to whom?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor conceal it?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did one's self under obligations.' infinite languor in his face. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "And why?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was depend upon my doing so.' confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to everything which you would wish to know." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first that before taking the final step I should like to submit the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "You horrify me." DISSOLVED. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which get the tickets." maiden herself was most instructive." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which her also." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "'Yes, sir.' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he carried out of court." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Of what day?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Did you become engaged then?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, more solid." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "No, thank goodness, she did not." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." 'please.'" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, away into the river." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for your most interesting statement." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is this unhappy family?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and to tackle the facts." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in prison!" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Mary, has deserted me." where she found matters as described by the last witness. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the coroner come to?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you entirely lost his self-respect." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "He said too much." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far father's place of business?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "You horrify me." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I without success. At last the little money which I had saved began presented which may be striking and bizarre without being his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was