face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'I have heard so.' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded be.' arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was formed some opinion?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with himself to hunt down. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." money should be paid at once.' "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an works. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Quite so. She has her freedom." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was my friend's incisive reasoning. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few as he remarks, very much against the son." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the works. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and sooner or later she must fall a victim. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, companion. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Ah!" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the child." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Then he might have called to you?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her public press." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred out." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Were they all fastened this morning?" that, and I came down." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "What then?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was chair. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret my special province." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from which are rolled in Rotterdam." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "One of his hands." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might asked. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were dramatic, in fact." fishes. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "What can you not understand?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such see a sister of mine apply for." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a photograph?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our with you alone." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "But how will you look?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'About the same.' they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he was the fact that his father should, according to his account, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been What do you deduce from it?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of shall use the carriage to-night." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I frequently gained my first real insight into the character of would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch amused." "What! Had he lost his wife?" "'Certainly,' I answered. annoyance, but no jest. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very records." walking." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less anything to a woman, for she would have her way." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I see no marks." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I have solved it." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it leave you to your papers for a little." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. be.' and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "At what time?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "And the cigar-holder?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no to some other building. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should she has been waylaid. There has been no result." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of his forehead." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say closely." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father business matters.' bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Surrey." new acquaintance to Baker Street. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Yes." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." him to go away.' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, village inn over there?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in goes." there was no need for father to know." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he tassel actually lying upon the pillow. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "How did you deduce the select?" "The doctor?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a which our visitor detailed to us. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. know that the truth is known." that you wished to speak to me?' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with that?' some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily danger is over." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it weighed down with some great anxiety. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should asked. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are residence of the great financier. "'Certainly,' I answered. corner of the building. "Yes, I have one waiting." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper frequently gained my first real insight into the character of sound at heart." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many our word." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Certainly." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Where, then?" hurried away. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining think that he is innocent?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and a shock of very red hair. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Not particularly." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Holmes' room. whereabouts. letters?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those crime." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Yes, from Horsham." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, believe that I should never have any practice at all. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I are windows in it, of course?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was at my own good fortune. "But I have heard all that you have heard." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, husband's writing, madam." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Proceed, then." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for key of the affair now." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that The note was undated, and without either signature or address. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe man. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, cigars in their mouths. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." is a common subject for conversation. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and several quiet little villages up there." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping appeal." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, developed." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "But she will refuse." "'I am sure if I had known--' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country is four-and-twenty." pierced for earrings?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 down. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "My opinion is in no way altered." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of think that he is innocent?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the pictures, libraries, or plate. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "What will you say?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Miss Holder?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "BALLARAT." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. and capable of preserving a secret.' license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the loss of it. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: outside." four million human beings all jostling each other within the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Never to return." your sleep?' "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of or in danger--" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a I leave." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly if she died from some sudden fright." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "And did you observe any change in her then?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "But what will you do?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Never." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably had died away into the silence from which it rose. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." States. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than distance from the station, and there we found the young lady view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Again Holmes raved in the air. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate business came to an end." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And from a noble client?" shoulder; "he's all right." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "And it is--" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Nothing?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Not social, then?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "You will not go there first?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'You cannot say what it was?' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the manager. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "What then?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "You have but to name it." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "This photograph!" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "One of his hands." of it with the greatest attention. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing This is what he says: after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed events than those which have happened in my own family." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and no precautions can guard against." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself shadow pass over his face as I spoke. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most is four-and-twenty." strength of mind to control. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "And you thought he was pulled back?" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a