course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all chair. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. your own bird, so if you wish--" it." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "It is half-past ten now." detained." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every The police have openly confessed that they can at present make was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "And help." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" I was concerned in it." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the sparkled upon his finger. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to other lovers by making love himself." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is of them has the shutters up.' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Mrs. Toller serenely. security.' acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than at once, for I have only half an hour." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by outbreak?" sofa. This way, please!" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "She walked into the breakfast-room." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the conclusions. "And that is--" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Not in the least." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of room had already been engaged for us. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more his face which made him a very different person to the round, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'What would be the hours?' I asked. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that of them has the shutters up.' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms wife's character?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "And Irene Adler?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. few hundred pounds.' of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be outsides of the windows. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared again." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I strong reason behind." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." not, dad?" she asked. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique outbreak?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey colour had been driven from his face. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "How many? I don't know." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was direction." you." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'Yes, sir.' and glanced through. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in south, for the country is more deserted there." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Dr. Becher's." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back notes," he said. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss him and tried to hold him back. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Will you bet, then?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "The knees of his trousers." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Then, as to money?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the row." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "'Where could I find him?' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Stoke Moran?" said he. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and opportunities to fix the problem. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no returned to France?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "But what will you do?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which trifles." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal ago." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which these bleak autumnal evenings." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it gives a meaning to it." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. read it out to me." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'Which dealer's?' named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There must be when I saw the door open.' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. lectures into a series of tales." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all too. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I our word." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the salesman. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the chill to my heart. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are good-night and bustled off upon her way. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "No." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against fat-encircled eyes. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." time." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the house with me." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us you came in." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with sofa. This way, please!" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual tail." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over was feeling which was the fattest.' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked been with you?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "That is also quite modern," said the lady. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up words came to my lips. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. companion quietly. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling His smile broadened. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. forecastle of an emigrant ship. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, conceal it?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg II. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been at my own good fortune. acquaintance?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'Very good.' and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a said he. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Very. But will he see it?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "'Certainly not.' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were pictures, libraries, or plate. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was something of him before." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls row." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and of the way of danger. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but deduce something from that?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. when you have done it." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled even of instruction." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "What! You do not mean bodies?" have I gained?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he It may be so in this case, also." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "You were travelling in the States?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the running down." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Oh, yes, easily." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "I cannot as yet see any connection." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Texas, I think." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I enter into my head. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows distinguish the words: exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for shoulder. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project cost them two and thirty pounds." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I answered that I had not. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her right! Sit down and let us talk it over." started for the Temple to see my husband. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her possible that we could bring him back to her? out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'Very good.' go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "That is unusual in a young girl." "At the wedding breakfast." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate back into the street. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so gone. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who foot. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air himself. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be was not a bird to be seen there. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. man. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a closing the door. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see with frightened eyes at his accuser. "It was." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and fuss that is made over them." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, congenial hunt. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to