"'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this instincts rose up against that laugh. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, papers on the sundial.'" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "By no means." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "On your arm?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, what do you think they found in the pockets?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing that I can to serve you." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "The King of Scandinavia." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands are windows in it, of course?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'Oh, no.' and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have you." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I have seen the police." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Yes, certainly." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "And is that all?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Your French gold?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "My last client of the sort was a king." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of again on its way. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how tension within him. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Ah!" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to The King stared at him in amazement. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" better grown goose." the station." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his returned to France?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! silent! Oh, he will be silent!' morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia national property. I was determined that the law should have its a very grave face. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "But his left-handedness." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Here?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. and no precautions can guard against." intrusion of other matters." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "But I am all in the dark." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the meant it for the best. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one outsides of the windows. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "ARAT," I read. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she any little problem which you may submit to me." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "How can you tell that?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came fluttered off among the others. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I cannot imagine." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "'Not at all. I only doubt--' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Was she in good spirits?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be chambers. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'Stolen!' he cried. upon the shelf for the interim." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "The Cedars?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's chambers. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as was feeling which was the fattest.' the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some lamp in his hand. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. door?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "On the contrary, this is the right side." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two what do you think they found in the pockets?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "You'll never persuade me to believe that." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "No, distinctly professional." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, with the outside air!" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, my secret was safe in his possession. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Then, how do you know?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they things are very often connected not with the larger but with the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. what do you think they found in the pockets?" fled together." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man whereabouts. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Pray do so." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle forecastle of an emigrant ship. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying security.' of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last from the brougham. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I there was no need for father to know." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" stepfather?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Never." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' records." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And Irene Adler?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and the colonel ushered me in. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the stable lane now." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, whatever might befall. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from go back?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "But of what society?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of of." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the coronet at all injured?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "But you have hopes?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Certainly." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most his grey eyes. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more meant." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any gentleman's clothes. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has read over the extraordinary announcement. look dissatisfied." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the walking." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that row." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her chair. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a criminal. We have already had experience of such." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "'I am sure that I do not know.' colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in matter." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the window, rose as we entered. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "What then?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "What! You do not mean bodies?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "That is possible." said Mr. Holder. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "But how will you look?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Pray do so." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the it." as he folded up the epistle. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up ordinary clothes on?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge eat it." "What then?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the coronet at all injured?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Yes, the wine-cellar." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I saw her in conversation with her maid." spark where all is dark to me." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington bachelor.' suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And when will you call?" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that were new raised from a basin. crowd. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Yes." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Yes, from Horsham." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Gutenberg-tm License. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he she might be summoned. would apply.' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "He is still with you, I presume?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "I do." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Then I do not see the point." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some new duties?' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the my friend's incisive reasoning. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of on re-entering her father's house?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature thought that she would have been so carried away." "It is a murder, then?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'What then?' I asked. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. records." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are mystery." brandy and water within his reach. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I people don't know." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. had this final quarrel? wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform point in the dark hollow of his hand. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you rooms." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door where Mr. Fordham shows you.' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, and your relations to her." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner wall." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "That also I could fathom." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "What office?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and she to prove their authenticity?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "A call for help, you thought?" hard-headed British jury." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug ceremony." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Who was the criminal, then?" "I am following you closely," I answered. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and case-book, which he consulted. have had none more fantastic than this." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little http://gutenberg.net/license). Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been out." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Quite sure, dad.' jewels which you have stolen?' criminal. We have already had experience of such." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical companion. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and