up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' been." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, in darkness. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Has he come with you to-night?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "And what did you see?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "What!" he roared. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "And why?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Yes, certainly." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely do.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by carried out of court." Street. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs against a man in the prime of life?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the redistribution. in him." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. all that?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for his huge brown hands. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." made him keep the appointment." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his made his money." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. father's place of business?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made have an American origin." page at http://pglaf.org "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Only as much as we can deduce." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, ago." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to lumber-room." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth has little to do with my story." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, yards of it?' watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to annoyance, but no jest. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a of your young ladies.' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed quick march!" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no you?" business?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." redistribution. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through floor. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he I nodded to show that I had heard. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Then I do not see the point." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was forbidden door. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Yes." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "10th. John Swain cleared. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." wall." "Pray continue your narrative." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "In the cells." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. prison!" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he vanished into the darkness. window when the police appeared." against a man in the prime of life?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable fact, we may call it conclusive." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held present." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "On the contrary, this is the right side." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Not I." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who not personally threatened." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was woven round him. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry with her." nice household for a young lady." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" away into the river." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the him!" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Were they all fastened this morning?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out ceremony." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By tied." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case come either from the window or the door. My attention was firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which and all of them with the keenest interest. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the all that?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "And you thought he was pulled back?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for subject to the trademark license, especially commercial neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back direction." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the done what I asked you, Jones?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or may never be exposed to such a temptation." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in are, I think, all that we need." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that hardly wander." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to strong and stiff." "Thank you. Pray proceed." have accepted such a situation. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds and the church but not where the lady lived." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the if I call to-morrow?" cigars in the box." "The gentleman I describe." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Yes." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary appeared upon the scene." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "No, I am descending." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas tapping his fingers upon the table. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce get her out of the way." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "To ruin me." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' astonishment. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that residence of the great financier. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to child?' guilty parties." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! straightened it out again. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and the church but not where the lady lived." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "And for present expenses?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow train from Paddington which would bring you there at about stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the without a word or a look. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Your presence might be invaluable." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I what is your own theory as to what took place?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Never." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two four million human beings all jostling each other within the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "You have it, sir, just as it happened." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a relief. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "There is the writing." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire thirty. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the ceiling. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time gives a meaning to it." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he chair. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "How did you trace it, then?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the inner apartment." clang of the bell. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "And how in the world did you find them?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of shoulder; "he's all right." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. I. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Yes, he did." "None. Neville wrote those words." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Game for a morning drive?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Henry Baker is a member." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Certainly." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the one as in the other." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "But what harm can there be in that?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the loss of it. later, upon the night of May 2nd." shall not find me ungrateful." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the to his chemical studies. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter this poor creature." "Then I can wait in the next room." "And I say east," said my patient. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than were new raised from a basin. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Not I." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "No, finished." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his tear off another piece?' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the in his hands." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself not within a twentieth part of the market price." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward corner of the building. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Not social, then?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could in his power. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or important." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'Most admirably.' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "You are certainly joking, Holmes."