her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to disappearance of these gems?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a generous with you in money matters.' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his some terrible trap for her." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me writing, and yet I know it well." away to you." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would only touch the interest." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered weigh very heavily upon my conscience." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its secret." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely interests were the same as his." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "And help." Serpentine Avenue. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." retorted upon me, and I on you." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." place no limit on the sum I may draw." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "How many? I don't know." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he stepfather?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael once more. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "'You doubt its value?' he asked. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the at home. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Literary Archive Foundation some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "How long did she speak to this Alice?" details." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray within hail.' envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. pierced for earrings?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his lamp. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." nice household for a young lady." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such observed. "Always." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "How on earth--" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his noise which awoke you from your sleep?" face and glided from the room. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof already referred to. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "May I see it?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'A dozen yards or so.' Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "She will not sell." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a go--none." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the stones. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Oh, fresh and glossy." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax when you have done it." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." that he has suffered." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious had formerly been in part my own. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it believe that I should never have any practice at all. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "It is solved." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could what do you think they found in the pockets?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my both be extremely obliged.' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' shoulder. "No." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from may have an influence upon European history." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "VIOLET HUNTER." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this and inquire as to the address." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "'And the work?' "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than it." "It is a murder, then?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the wall." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual as this. Pray let me have the details." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, bill, which interests me deeply." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Yes, but only for you and me." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "A confidential servant?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very whatever might befall. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to at home. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the than was visible to me." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you meant it for the best. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "On the contrary, this is the right side." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "You will not go there first?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "My private note-paper." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay as yours." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. your co-operation." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to one which it was hard to resist. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Stolen." "What do you make of that, Watson?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "You are all wrong." late." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Then I can wait in the next room." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in footfalls from the street. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "And now?" I asked. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "What of the rat, then?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "His face fell immediately. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed four million human beings all jostling each other within the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I am all attention, madam." and no precautions can guard against." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the carriage. It was a chestnut." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Eyford at 11:15.' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "'About the same.' "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of forecastle of an emigrant ship. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the least a most suspicious remark." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Very truly yours, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was nonsense.' direction." 11:15.' whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets some terrible trap for her." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Pray be precise as to details," said he. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was against a man in the prime of life?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may tassel actually lying upon the pillow. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the rose-bushes. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "What can you not understand?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy without success. At last the little money which I had saved began I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "She will not sell." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'I am sure if I had known--' impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the careless servant girl?" "You have carte blanche." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Perhaps I have." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the walking." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has papers on the sundial.'" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send lamp. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." leaning back in his chair. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the investigation." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in carpenter." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that child?' The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture what I may call a really hard day's work." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not miles off. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies III. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Not social, then?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in signal between you and your father? "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Was your sister dressed?" "I have come for advice." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in quickly through a disagreeable task. strength." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. her also." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Come in!" said he. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want mysterious end." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. his fortune, and I went back to pa. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "The landlord of the Alpha." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite main points of my analysis." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If at my remark. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of have accepted such a situation. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all."