started for the Temple to see my husband. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the stones. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to attention." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the matter?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote of the way of danger. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had my friend's incisive reasoning. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Eyford." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I have I gained?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the so-precious time, but come!' A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are purpose of examination. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "There are none." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. gives a meaning to it." held up the lantern and gazed about him. copied or distributed: felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Where, indeed?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the coronet in his hand?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a had this final quarrel? your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, developed." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Literary Archive Foundation woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she keep the flames under. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there to-night?' "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "What, then?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The long narrative. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Then, as to money?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the window, rose as we entered. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said that you can jump it.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its is acting for the best. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the devil!" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah are windows in it, of course?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "That also I could fathom." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it disappearance of the bride.'" wedding?" to-night?" I asked. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Ha! you find it so?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It danger is over." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the tragedy. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." wanted for ourselves." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "The King of Scandinavia." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Then I shall certainly come." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "My dear Holmes!" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a it. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the depend upon my doing so.' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and it need not interfere very much with one's other wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any them?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter exactly what you advise." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'And the work?' the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. three of the beryls in it, was missing. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "You horrify me." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good The police have openly confessed that they can at present make invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It is possible." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "I will try. What is it?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in power." shall use the carriage to-night." spark where all is dark to me." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'I am sure that I do not know.' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not depend upon my doing so.' narrative." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Stolen." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure matter over." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Literary Archive Foundation father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "How do you know, then?" shoulder. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, public press." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears II. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you spark where all is dark to me." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not system of imprisonment?" "This photograph!" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "To an English lawyer named Norton." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "I guessed as much." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with must be when I saw the door open.' I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Have you her photograph?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon arrangements." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was matters immensely." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, weary and pale-looking. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Witness: I must still refuse. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but questionable one." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came any little problem which you may submit to me." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "You horrify me!" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had this poor creature." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat happened." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I will do it." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the matter?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that about here speaks of his kindness to him." call you and give you the chance." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Thank you. And your address?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." what is your own theory as to what took place?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with triumphant cloud from his cigarette. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I shall be delighted." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My such attractions and accomplishments?' character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the about. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." families. Now for the facts. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There plantation.' there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, dear old homesteads?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "You are certainly joking, Holmes." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "It is no ordinary one." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, crowd. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" unclasping of his long thin hands. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I shall be delighted." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a strong and stiff." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I see many objections to any such theory." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through the general public were present, then?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told your billet.' "Yes, that is the Crown." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two main points of my analysis." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the a very grave face. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "And from a noble client?" "It is possible." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "He slept on the premises." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very one or two very singular points about this room. For example, dramatic, in fact." on in his house." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, highly," said Holmes. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. lost his Christmas dinner." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt cigars in their mouths. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only already referred to. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "You have a clue?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah my friend's incisive reasoning. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "And sit in the dark?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as about here speaks of his kindness to him." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. who was a member of your goose club." paper in the air. Heh?' "I would pay ten." at my remark. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was your bag." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in him nearly every evening." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at of a light. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Come in!" said he. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the Assizes." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, little trying to do so much typewriting?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only was a loud and authoritative tap. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it ordinary clothes on?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. British peeress.'" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite here." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "'And what salary do you ask?' and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Edgeware Road. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "You think that he is dead?" "Always." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes.