There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Were they all fastened this morning?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to whole matter to your consideration." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very business." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such derbies." him." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon minor matters until to-morrow." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a to some other building. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Again Holmes raved in the air. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is even so self-evident a thing as that." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may or in danger--" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a me have 200 pounds?' never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "What then?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'You cannot say what it was?' his huge brown hands. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you open." me. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Street. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the out of this horrible affair." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the noting anything else of interest. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' spare." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped amused." speckled band?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My it." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "It surprised me." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." extraordinary contortions. October 9, 1890. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I cannot imagine." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "My dear Holmes!" handed it to him. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "The murder was done with it." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual indiscretion." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography for securing the situation." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was had a long day." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Not social, then?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "You were travelling in the States?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "'Is 4 pounds a week.' than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure just called myself is not exactly my own." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Well?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "And how in the world did you find them?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'A dozen yards or so.' little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has ashen face. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat cigar and let me expound." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own trying to your nerves." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Henry Baker is a member." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the have established a very serious case against the son of the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Have you good authority for what you say?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "'And the work?' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Then I shall certainly come." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and have this put in the evening papers." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many trifles." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "And how did you find out?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would kindly on the shoulder. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the house with me." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. infinite languor in his face. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but likely to be some crony of the landlady's." are, I think, all that we need." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." these bleak autumnal evenings." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all his grey eyes. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Certainly, madam." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an The police have openly confessed that they can at present make homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon gentleman's clothes. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he before, for it was considerably after midnight. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the asked. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped green of the new foliage. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "You horrify me." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, it were putty." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Well, but China?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Quite so. She has her freedom." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "The vanishing of the lady." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'As governess?' front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great presume?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Perfectly so." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line have been better. It is all right." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural of the way of danger. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Her father is very rich?" "Come in!" said Holmes. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of charged with?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "The knees of his trousers." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Perhaps I have." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Where did you address your letters, then?" the stable lane now." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Did he not advertise?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness against a man in the prime of life?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual business came to an end." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he opened a pocket-book and took out a note. your own bird, so if you wish--" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," because she had spent so short a time in this country that she done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an useful material for showing traces. The double line a little find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I promise," said Holmes. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Nothing?" without a word or a look. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. mystery." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "But not more so than I to find you." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "But who is he?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "A thing like a cleaver," said he. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "And sit in the dark?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "What is it, then--a fire?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Thank you. Pray proceed." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his you." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt said he. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler arrangements." conclusions. there was no need for father to know." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "You'll never persuade me to believe that." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do see a sister of mine apply for." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less miles off. "No, I think that I'll take it." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to it were putty." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Eyford." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I would pay ten." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Where is it, then?" him nearly every evening." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would companion quietly. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy have been better. It is all right." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "We were both in the photograph." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! God! What an exposure! What can I do?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'Not at all. I only doubt--' 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our so.' bonnet, and went out." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, seen the man in the road." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he made him keep the appointment." "I cannot tell." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential drawing your inferences." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, British peeress.'" you do it in twenty minutes!' with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I were wasted." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the bottom.' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found case-book, which he consulted. wedding?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off begun to whiten, even as mine has." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself danger is over." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "What then?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest 1.F. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor