few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been never will be, entirely cleared up. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Sutherland. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, back alive. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "But I have heard all that you have heard." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which and no precautions can guard against." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, exactly what you advise." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the during that time.' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George case-book, which he consulted. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "In which, sir?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "You have the photograph?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and allusion to a rat. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Yes, the wine-cellar." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without I took the paper from him and read as follows: "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "And you can do nothing until then?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring as he remarks, very much against the son." "It is true that I have been generally successful." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that upon the white wrist. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled do.' heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Then what has happened to him?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow his eyes and forehead. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make on re-entering her father's house?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly mystery may be cleared along those lines." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the quick march!" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "And the murderer?" "The doctor?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as redistribution. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "You don't mind breaking the law?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked subject to the trademark license, especially commercial when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child call for protection in the marriage market, for the present been deceived." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low friends, not even his own brother. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My them present such singular features as the strange train of that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to thirty. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been during that time.' burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in article?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Why serious?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Has he come with you to-night?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I should like to see him very much." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, despair." happened." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like later, upon the night of May 2nd." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the coronet in his hands?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Whose house is it?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I am following you closely," I answered. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the sooner or later she must fall a victim. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." will he say when he returns?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his of a light. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left redistribution. floor. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his be sorry for having acted so harshly." "And I say east," said my patient. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" married her." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Which are?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "You think that he is dead?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "To an English lawyer named Norton." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "But how did you gain them?" and inquire as to the address." "The gentleman I describe." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" own family. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" nothing of it?" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the dangers which encompass me." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "No." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "It is half-past ten now." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "But how did you gain them?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are of the vacancies.' presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Why, what do you mean?" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and do." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I dates and names. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its out of this horrible affair." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and me have 200 pounds?' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah of the one which your family is now devouring." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That events than those which have happened in my own family." "His face fell immediately. you." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the your most interesting statement." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and hardly wander." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a promised to bring home. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And said I. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to with some details as to your case." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "By no means." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "There is the writing." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and put his glass in his pocket. deduce something from that?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. very old mansion. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill fire. You quite follow me?" ago." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is intrusion of other matters." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Very murderous indeed." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added your sleep?' side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and out." "And I to find an enemy." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt maid will bring up your coffee." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the entirely devoid of interest." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I second window is the one that I jumped from." what do you think they found in the pockets?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and allusion to a rat. key turn in the lock." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four I shall continue with my miserable story. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "From his hat?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'You cannot say what it was?' "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "No?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. overpowering excitement and concern. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of seen the man in the road." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you been." do.' "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been entirely lost his self-respect." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may bed dies. Does not that strike you?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "What is it?" ordinary clothes on?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got weighed down with some great anxiety. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was lamp. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the companion. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "And on what day did he meet his death?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social front of the hall door has given its name to the place. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it in one or two places in England?' "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the photograph a cabinet?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these newspaper selections." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns yourselves in at night?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached there in twenty minutes." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his