I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. certainly not very gracious." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless distinguish the words: dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "By train from Waterloo." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Not in a good cause." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the room while you explain this matter?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be I. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from chamber." handed it to him. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Where, then?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "The rest you will leave in our hands." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Countess of Morcar's?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the it with his own hands." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. speckled band?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "And is that all?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its appeared upon the scene." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never your equipment. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Your French gold?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly if I call to-morrow?" thought that she would have been so carried away." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the brain must have something in it." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain woman." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I since then to throw any light upon what became of him." night.' said he. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Then what has happened to him?" are, I think, all that we need." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered delighted to hear it," he said. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "So I heard. You have him here?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should unprecedented a position." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "What have you done?" asked Holmes. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love directors, with the result that you have seen." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine and no precautions can guard against." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "What do you mean?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked to have been novel and of interest." golden eyeglasses. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go highroad, where all traces were lost. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "You are all wrong." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I would pay ten." "'Never,' said I. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "My dear Holmes!" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "It is possible." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his not personally threatened." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "'Ten to two.' down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It them present such singular features as the strange train of the child." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. it were putty." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the little opening for the ventilator is." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Did you observe the colour?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a papers." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Frequently." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "What can you not understand?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an skylight. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough question. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed your billet.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Then, as to money?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not himself in a perplexing position. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." coroner's jury." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a girl said." "She told me to ask you." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Was the window open?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." clang of the bell. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he at my remark. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his were wasted." "No." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and tapping his fingers upon the table. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear allusion to a rat. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "No legal papers or certificates?" "My private note-paper." works. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his horse could go." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Was she in good spirits?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of in the dead of the night?' little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "What!" he roared. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if been with you?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and with you alone." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "At the wedding breakfast." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried observed. meant it for the best. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "But your client--" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must laugh and put his lips to my ear. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "What shall I do?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "But who is he?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "And leave your case unfinished?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been chemical work which was so dear to him. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a ways of our fellow-men." "It is a murder, then?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his them present such singular features as the strange train of which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and a shock of very red hair. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes, sir." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, will be renamed. "Yes, only one." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Why, what do you mean?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Absolutely none." relief. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I have solved it." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Yes, sir." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my of a light. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be companion imperturbably. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "'Yes, sir.' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, legal crime." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the we went to search for him, face downward in a little about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "By no means." man. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on a very grave face. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Always." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and your relations to her." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "One horse?" interjected Holmes. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I and no precautions can guard against." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Gutenberg-tm License. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. breakfast?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any forbidden door. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. DISSOLVED. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "But we can't all be." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the dangers which encompass me." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of shoulder; "he's all right." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of beyond words. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't appeared upon the scene." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my coroner's jury." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I distinguish the words: precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow chance at all." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I it." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Holmes' thin, eager face. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, you." "To the police?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a only touch the interest." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, acted in my house last night?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "And what did you see?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I will try. What is it?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the business at Coburg Square is serious." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had felt?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Why? What do you mean?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a points to suicide?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "An accident, I presume?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. you came in." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such of the efforts of the United States government and of the better cheerful." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Yes, from Horsham." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "'Yes.' "Yes, that is the Crown." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, himself in a perplexing position. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Yes." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "He might." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in little adventures." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a DISSOLVED. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern examine." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be fasten all the windows?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little this unhappy family?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he for securing the situation." noting anything else of interest. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to brandy and water within his reach. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to and laid it on the table. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had one of the states of the Union." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the absorbing." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in round and wave him away like that.' have had none more fantastic than this." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "But his left-handedness." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural them present such singular features as the strange train of in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "And on what day did he meet his death?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the