as he remarks, very much against the son." the stones. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Come in!" said he. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "I should wish to." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Then he might have called to you?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his shadow pass over his face as I spoke. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Holmes, the busybody!" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "'A dozen yards or so.' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. and have this put in the evening papers." "Texas, I think." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful confronted him. should be taken.' part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "What do you mean?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us must compliment you." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in to have that photograph." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I will get her to show me." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these suspect him." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed never came back." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Your presence might be invaluable." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Did your wife hear all this?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way nothing of it?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I see many objections to any such theory." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of campaign. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man father's place of business?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'What would be the hours?' I asked. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate generous with you in money matters.' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "There are none." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'Yes, it was gone.' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Yes." gone before you can get him to hospital." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "But how will you look?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Where is it, then?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between lumber-room." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was voice, changing her seat as requested. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, as noiselessly as she had come. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "It must be recovered." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only following enigmatical notices: "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my examine." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see crackling voice. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and results." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Look there!" said he. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man one of them." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "That is unusual in a young girl." the matter?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there that he has suffered." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch said he. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his page at http://pglaf.org flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "You are all wrong." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "How are you getting on?" promised to bring home. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Where did you address your letters, then?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the The summons was a brief and urgent one. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old paper in the air. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Murdered?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "I do." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back in the port of London." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "What?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Mrs. Toller serenely. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Yes, from Horsham." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, invisible to me," I remarked. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. ordinary clothes on?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and manager. his face. or in danger--" it." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Ah, but I was recommended to you." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite corner of the building. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the over with notes and figures. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to business came to an end." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter which should have the effect of calling the attention of the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be him, that man would not have given me such complete information home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Then the page we have seen--" "Upon what point?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very this man was intellectual?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'Where could I find him?' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch she might be summoned. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a sofa. This way, please!" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was me have 200 pounds?' "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Ah!" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman entirely devoid of interest." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "How often?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "The best possible." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This written. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and friend's singular character. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Yes, from Horsham." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be electronic works "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back do you make of it all?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." washing it down with a long draught of water. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "It came here." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite chill to my heart. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Very truly yours, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is but preventing her from injuring another. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for highly," said Holmes. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past said he. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you families. Now for the facts. "And you don't know his address?" "'Which dealer's?' "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and the colonel ushered me in. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "One of his hands." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias License. You must require such a user to return or had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my gigantic client. outbreak?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Street. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, chill to my heart. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. me. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Very murderous indeed." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "'I am sure that I do not know.' the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime everything which you would wish to know." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were present." "You have a clue?" "Yes, but only for you and me." would apply.' o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the back alive. His name is Francis Prosper." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "You are certainly joking, Holmes." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into His name is Francis Prosper." "And sit in the dark?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a some place of shelter and let the county police know what has they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." in. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands The note was undated, and without either signature or address. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Pray continue your narrative." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "They are typewritten," I remarked. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary before the coroner and the police-court." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Holmes' thin, eager face. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "I cannot as yet see any connection." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. locked. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project