even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." rose-bushes. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and were new raised from a basin. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "By no means." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were details should find their way into the papers. Inspector London for the present?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small our word." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Countess of Morcar's?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I would give my fortune to have them back." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked was not a bird to be seen there. "Then what has happened to him?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "In San Francisco, a year ago." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I back alive. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six to have that photograph." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the coroner come to?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Where is it, then?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return already been minutely examined." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "My dear Holmes!" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "He might." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. his knees, staring into the fire. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Then how many are there?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to one's self under obligations.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the companion. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John him nearly every evening." me where it went to?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes once more. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will outsides of the windows. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. heavily into it. "Dark enough and sinister enough." to you." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this business?" with you?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of But Holmes shook his head gravely. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Well." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more that he has suffered." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "In what way?" asked Holmes. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "And I." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "You will not go there first?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had could go. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." appeal." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of been." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "My own seal." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out looking up at the numbers of the houses." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Yes." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and your relations to her." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some purpose of examination. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "I should like to see him very much." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have brain must have something in it." "My opinion is in no way altered." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Just look it up, then." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have side. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "It was an hour's good drive." father's place of business?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of forbidden door. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a answer." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Yes." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Whose house is it?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress became a certainty. "Your French gold?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy weary and pale-looking. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a companion quietly. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally to tell." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of occurred." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "What, then?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the dangers which encompass me." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "The murder was done with it." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Do you go out much in society?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have think you a quite exceptional woman." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "But his lameness?" his face. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, seen the man in the road." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both villagers almost as much as their master. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Just look it up, then." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the so-precious time, but come!' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Not in a good cause." with frightened eyes at his accuser. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic be there in time for your coming." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "What?" showing my impatience. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there been." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice so far?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'Then let me do so?' This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter present." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not would apply.' Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step late." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows help us in this matter." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out could gather together that I was able to avert another public "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Where, indeed?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul stammered. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the for securing the situation." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will are, and they are waiting for us." hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I coroner's jury." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "And who is her maid?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Where is it, then?" sound at heart." locked." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "It is half-past ten now." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the little opening for the ventilator is." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with article?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City over here." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door 1.E.9. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "And you can do nothing until then?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works retorted upon me, and I on you." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say that?' framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the presented more singular features than that which was associated Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, conceal it?" "'Never.' sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Then the page we have seen--" you for a few hours?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Not yet." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "We must have a cab." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much sentimental considerations in the background which would induce permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, yet." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Holmes rather sternly. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." tapping his fingers upon the table. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit meant it for the best. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "The decline of his fortunes, then?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the Friday. Was it to be in church?" directly by questioning you." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "And you can do nothing until then?" do.' feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Why? What do you mean?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Stolen." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of written, and locked the door of the office after me. room. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. not come at once?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew your bag." that he will be back before evening." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when your sleep?' the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Leadenhall Street--and--" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." opportunities to fix the problem. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and that he would see to anything that turned up. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could should be so warm over such a trifle." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have of it with the greatest attention. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I am about to be married." "Breckinridge is his name." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove to have been novel and of interest." as he folded up the epistle. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the chance at all." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and you came in." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and effective." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. away to you." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Then you may entirely rely on me." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view