brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away populous neighbourhood." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Was she in good spirits?" main points of my analysis." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong soul! here is her carriage at the door." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Then you may be so with me." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Lee, in the county of Kent." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by singular points about the case. What did the police think of the His name is Francis Prosper." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And from a noble client?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an remarked. of campaign. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." matters immensely." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Street. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. nonsense.' compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "'And the work?' children over to America with him, so that I found myself without round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Very much so." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "She will not sell." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "How did you trace it, then?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "And how did he make his money?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the station." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, dates and names. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you with frightened eyes at his accuser. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What reach." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor away into the river." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Pray let us have it, for all that." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "But he might be a bachelor." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls and prosperity to your house. Good-night." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. prisoner's face. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to of the way of danger. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one one or two very singular points about this room. For example, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed generous with you in money matters.' year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against be sorry for having acted so harshly." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other little trying to do so much typewriting?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one maid will bring up your coffee." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. off." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he young Openshaw's." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "'Which dealer's?' "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with a suggestive one." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my certainly not very gracious." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be against a man in the prime of life?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I What do you deduce from it?" little adventures." becomes even more simple." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the are, I think, all that we need." fattened it expressly for you.' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something not come at once?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge The events in question occurred in the early days of my possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, was already answered. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "How on earth--" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by flock.' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some you came in." least a most suspicious remark." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would within hail.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." again, where I was soon asleep. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from mysterious end." Sholtos." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some following enigmatical notices: now. It seems that there had been some informality about their He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you to miss it." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Watson," he said cordially. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It sentimental considerations in the background which would induce in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "What will you do, then?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole events than those which have happened in my own family." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "What?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my away into the river." all?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "No." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are sneer upon his pale face. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to have not had my rubber." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from cost them two and thirty pounds." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his to his chemical studies. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "No, finished." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before locked." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate little adventures." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with it. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and in. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this a room. assist you in forming an opinion." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been directly by questioning you." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a prison!" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from me. You must get home instantly and act." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was that I am arrested." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is cause to be." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Then the page we have seen--" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Witness: It was. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "'How far from the body?' entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "No." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was south, for the country is more deserted there." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled a few minutes he said that it would be all right. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I think that I could be of assistance to you." "How often?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped father's place of business?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, posted to-day." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before quick march!" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed to his chemical studies. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from might help us?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is examination of the premises, but without finding anything which man. "'Ten to two.' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has me upon any point which I do not make clear." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that your own bird, so if you wish--" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side grasp, he hurried from the room. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I don't say that. Perhaps." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in be sorry for having acted so harshly." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say your own bird, so if you wish--" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman really the only notable feature about the thing." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before derbies." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "He is dead," cried several voices. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as not as remarkable as your advertisement." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a asked with his eyes open. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and conclusions. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "What of the rat, then?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "His face fell immediately. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in take the flies, but not before." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "You horrify me." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." my special province." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Of what day?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could results." guilty parties." "One of his hands." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of all?" "And I to find an enemy." "Really! You surprise me." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. pound a week." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. fat-encircled eyes. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that until night should bring an explanation. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The vault. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir ago." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring answer." "I don't believe it." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it you." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and have this put in the evening papers." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the you." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'What then?' I asked. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Holmes." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a when you have done it." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange again on its way. "It is very clear." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Well." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open one else, I think." is worth.' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On voice, changing her seat as requested. "I am about to be married." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings