Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "'And the work?' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by woman." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police stammered. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without fatally injured? caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman skylight. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" yourselves in at night?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. all-comprehensive glances. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were too. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's wedding?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention in the dead of the night?' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I say that I have solved it." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a do.' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in go--none." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "'Certainly not. But why?' wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most definite end. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was indeed which he could not unravel. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "And leave your case unfinished?" "Yes." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united than was visible to me." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? easy-going way." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Yes." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to strength." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. he died? tied." "Seven!" I answered. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I cannot tell." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "The Cedars?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. should be so warm over such a trifle." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Yes." call you and give you the chance." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow exactly what you advise." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have has little to do with my story." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I placed his cuttings. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe James Windibank. Voilà tout!" ventilator." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Not yet." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the from the brougham. galvanised. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I will do it." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly his wife has ceased to love him." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." will not take me long to tell. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out late!' Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "This concluded the examination of the witness." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I was mad--insane." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Yes, only one." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'How far from the body?' quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Stolen." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I guessed as much." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes along the entire front of the house, with three long windows just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down standing smiling on the door-step. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "So I am. Very much so." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and waste of energy." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." my friend's incisive reasoning. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was her also." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "And what then?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in fattened it expressly for you.' subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more putting in the horse. colonel looking down at me. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Has he come with you to-night?" anything to do with the matter?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried back to my heart. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize purpose equally well?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "'I am sure if I had known--' solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every ventilator." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the appeal." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Yes, that is the Crown." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Bought." mysterious end." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the gives a meaning to it." was it brought him the coronet? ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the dates and names. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted voice, changing her seat as requested. strength." became a certainty. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to woman who has had her own way to make in the world. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were sentimental considerations in the background which would induce nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than against a man in the prime of life?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for letters?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "And how have you succeeded?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "None." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she desk. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an at a side door. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. hurried by. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat a few minutes he said that it would be all right. you do it in twenty minutes!' McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have so far?" "What are they?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "'Then let me do so?' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. some terrible trap for her." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "I have solved it." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Yes, it would be as well." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Yes. He waved his hands." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Was she in good spirits?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, weighed down with some great anxiety. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back his cane at the bell-pull. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number works. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid are windows in it, of course?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll is a common subject for conversation. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Very murderous indeed." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, fear." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the bottom.' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "In heaven's name, what for?" "I should wish to." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Why, it's a dummy," said he. went to the Alpha were town bred." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as possible that we could bring him back to her? endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the you do it in twenty minutes!' quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "What then?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "This photograph!" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "And how in the world did you find them?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "No, but the enclosure is." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. appointment with me for six o'clock?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Where to?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Where did you address your letters, then?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of had this final quarrel? me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK be.' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had purpose of examination. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" key of the affair now." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of certainly do as you advise." the general public were present, then?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'Yes, it was gone.' every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my the nursery. village inn over there?" the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It morning." "None. Neville wrote those words." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'I shall certainly be there.' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and meant it for the best. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely very old mansion. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped me have 200 pounds?' present." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so John Swain, of St. Augustine. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in joking. there in twenty minutes." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred face and glided from the room. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I am armed." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Thank you. And your address?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is morning." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See drove away. was it brought him the coronet? "Absolutely?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and to-night." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to the side-table." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind forecastle of an emigrant ship. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, sneer upon his pale face. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; your only hope of safety." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable."