"Oh, yes, easily." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would crowd. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. skylight. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions what do you think they found in the pockets?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his works. "'How far from the body?' "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Cross for the Continent." "It is no ordinary one." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "His face fell immediately. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord advice." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than chair. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Thank you. Pray proceed." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "You have but to name it." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you wanted for ourselves." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull correct than the official force." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin It was close upon four before the door opened, and a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what papers diligently of late, have you not?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Where, indeed?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the devil!" III. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms IS the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' these bleak autumnal evenings." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I into the room. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'And the work?' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John My friend smiled. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle gone. "You have but to name it." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote death." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Yes." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of not as remarkable as your advertisement." disappearance of the bride.'" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and charge against him will break down." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before than was visible to me." "What!" he roared. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "How many? I don't know." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Just look it up, then." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is unprofitable." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and guilty one." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "'What do you call purely nominal?' all that?" trifles." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the served to weaken the effect. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, heavily into it. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." what do you think they found in the pockets?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He address. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of generous with you in money matters.' yourselves in at night?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side unclasping of his long thin hands. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City shaken than I had ever seen him. room had already been engaged for us. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "How did you deduce the select?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do and no precautions can guard against." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "My stepfather's business papers." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "To an end?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, one of the states of the Union." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would detective. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. you in your example." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Will you go?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered as the one I chose?' there in twenty minutes." father's young wife. "And what did you learn from him?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he with you alone." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'Most admirably.' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "But the mystery?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the husband's writing, madam." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed could gather together that I was able to avert another public the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in your only hope of safety." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works new acquaintance to Baker Street. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with just ask you whether you had heard it.' front of me. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Well?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Watson," he said cordially. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to bedroom door." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is some city in a dream. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a villagers almost as much as their master. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you really the only notable feature about the thing." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "What of the rat, then?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a bled considerably." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the date of his supposed suicide." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "What! a murderous attack?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. towards the blaze. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "And from a noble client?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Pray do so." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood shoulder. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "My last client of the sort was a king." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be with the outside air!" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason kind enough to tell me what I should do." retorted upon me, and I on you." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is electronic works learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate bird I ate is country bred." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Yes.' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Where, then?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, fact, we may call it conclusive." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your newspaper selections." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic tightly behind him. "Then I can wait in the next room." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this horse could go." any more." to a more successful conclusion." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do to you." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be drawing your inferences." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest three of the beryls in it, was missing. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is likely to be some crony of the landlady's." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "I answered that I had not. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that woman who has had her own way to make in the world. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "But the mystery?" friends, not even his own brother. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced furiously. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Pray tell us what has happened to you." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his one else, I think." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me second." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are nothing of it?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is himself. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable James Windibank. Voilà tout!" your billet.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Mary, has deserted me." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, has little to do with my story." "Will you go?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Certainly." "'Which dealer's?' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "That also I could fathom." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I drove away. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The detained." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "The knees of his trousers." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Munro.' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you despaired of." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between correct than the official force." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I shall be delighted." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down believe that I should never have any practice at all. for its centre. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "It looks newer than the other things?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or there is a decided draught." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no of your young ladies.' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we standing smiling on the door-step. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you when your master had gone out." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the she might be summoned. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and put his glass in his pocket. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "How did he come?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up help us in this matter." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built plantation.' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been papers must be those that are destroyed.' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "I am about to be married." the station." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the the driver. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among someone who had been in Australia." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to take the flies, but not before." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and