every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as character. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to never came back." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Yes, at the mines." it." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "If so, much may have happened between." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Sutherland?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of three fields round his house, and there he would take his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King swore that no one else had been in the front room during the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "VIOLET HUNTER." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a husband's writing, madam." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his be.' he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he with the outside air!" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "By no means." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "How did you trace it, then?" arrested. You then--" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning hurried by. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "But you can know nothing of this?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and ordinary clothes on?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. take the flies, but not before." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "How are you getting on?" I nodded to show that I had heard. burst out into a roar of laughter. "That is possible." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Then he might have called to you?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "No. His orders were to stay in the house." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 eavesdroppers?' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case security.' "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Then you may be so with me." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Nothing." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Yes, there are nearly always some there." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Holmes' room. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Surrey." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of both be extremely obliged.' during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Foundation The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "By train from Waterloo." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., of the one which your family is now devouring." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny dates and names. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing depend upon my doing so.' method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might chill to my heart. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend posted to-day." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the families. Now for the facts. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "What then?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" of Mr. Rucastle's." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more which are rolled in Rotterdam." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Yes, it would be as well." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. occupations.' dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Ten will be early enough." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done pressing in one house as in another. the side-table." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It looks newer than the other things?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. my secret was safe in his possession. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of appeared upon the scene." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her trying to your nerves." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "He said too much." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and wall." "ARAT," I read. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a during that time.' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "It was an hour's good drive." murdered man." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Not him." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "And now?" He raised his hand. "You have the photograph?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before the ceiling. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "And how did you find out?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the me where it went to?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be her also." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a conceal it?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Quite so. She has her freedom." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Here?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an yet." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of business at Coburg Square is serious." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "No more words. Get out!" go back?" this unhappy family?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." window when the police appeared." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker DISSOLVED. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." will take you up to see the machine.' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but not use it unless it is absolutely needed." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be village inn over there?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and guilty one." intrusion of other matters." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "How did he come?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. third from London." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "The landlord of the Alpha." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate answered with a sidelong glance. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, had formerly been in part my own. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the nursery. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. throat." did not hear it also.' hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Yes, I have one waiting." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "But not more so than I to find you." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? one of the states of the Union." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout been with you?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Who by?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" criminal. We have already had experience of such." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the congenial hunt. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, from you?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I shall be delighted." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. DISSOLVED. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "And on what day did he meet his death?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would other means.' "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat sit on the left-hand side of the driver." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this will not take me long to tell. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "And how did you find out?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself instincts rose up against that laugh. "Stolen." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, rooms." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to tied." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Yes, it was twisted." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "I have a cab outside." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing said I. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate chill to my heart. "My Mary? Impossible!" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the photograph?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I cannot say that I have." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a think you a quite exceptional woman." society." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were cause to be." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the asked. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign for securing the situation." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these rat could hardly pass through." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither is," said he presently: "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our not personally threatened." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "What is it, then--a fire?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." will not take me long to tell. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Was he the only applicant?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue little trying to do so much typewriting?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If that I am arrested." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "But it has twice been burgled." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and of the way of danger. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "And you thought he was pulled back?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until know all about it," he snarled. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my