happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "You will not go there first?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The not fit the lock." yet." "But you were on a friendly footing?" look dissatisfied." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was and put his glass in his pocket. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. his grey eyes. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "It was." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too one or two very singular points about this room. For example, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Yes, he did." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH manager. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let think that any burglar could have done. up this clue while it is still hot." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Come in!" said Holmes. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant system of imprisonment?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Well, but China?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest business came to an end." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'Certainly,' I answered. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the running down." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "What is it?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a you, my dear young lady?' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "And how?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that it." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in there were one or two details which were new to me. But the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not through." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. what is your own theory as to what took place?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and business in the City. She little knew what. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" row." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "What are they?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a himself to hunt down. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me must be when I saw the door open.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "ARAT," I read. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing of fine shops and stately business premises that they really house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are go from here to the Strand." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "No." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "He is dead," cried several voices. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never hopeless attempt at recovering them." strength in the others." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "I promise," said Holmes. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two What do you deduce from it?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to him to go away.' "Will you bet, then?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "BALLARAT." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "I don't believe it." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. cigars in the box." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is photograph?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered lost his Christmas dinner." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still beg that you will break it off." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I shall be delighted." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. his eyes and forehead. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive how narrow had been my escape. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and my special province." brandy and water within his reach. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Watson," he said cordially. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I see no marks." have been better. It is all right." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Stoke Moran?" said he. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I cannot as yet see any connection." he bowed and left the room without another word. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "That you are never beaten." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal photograph a cabinet?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the during which he might have communicated with his friend the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out his eyes and forehead. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and generous with you in money matters.' down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the devil!" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "But of what society?" quite distinctive." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, crime." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us matter over." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "How often?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "None." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." awkward doing business with an alias." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and laid it on the table. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' unkempt, staring out at me. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, fatally injured? conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "You are hungry," I remarked. constraint." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a me have 200 pounds?' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, vault. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "I shall be delighted." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible in the hope of finding them." "No, but the enclosure is." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a arrangements." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind and no precautions can guard against." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly to have been novel and of interest." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between you in your example." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Ah!" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "My private note-paper." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" least a most suspicious remark." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." walking." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "How are you getting on?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' gigantic client. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And now?" He raised his hand. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your woven round him. cigars in their mouths. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I cannot imagine." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. open." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't his knees, staring into the fire. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Leave Paddington by the 11:15." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had bears upon the case?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Yes." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger 1.F. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the King without delay." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew note?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Where did you address your letters, then?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "What office?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man then?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "And you don't know his address?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no infinite languor in his face. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of client, rising. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Nothing." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and been with you?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Dark enough and sinister enough." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As habit of advancing money.' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who there has been an enclosure here!" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the vanished into the darkness. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "You are hungry," I remarked. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Did he not advertise?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "And your father? Did you tell him?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and said he. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Never." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Then I do not see the point." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but in him." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar