posted to-day." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly have an American origin." to take care of herself." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "What will you do, then?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "What of the rat, then?" "You know me, then?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a criminal. We have already had experience of such." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Witness: Nothing definite. this Miss Turner." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to with you?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Whose house is it?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "The vanishing of the lady." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up companion. conduct the inquiry." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic if she died from some sudden fright." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "The decline of his fortunes, then?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "He disappeared so suddenly." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the locked. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, of the one which your family is now devouring." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Leadenhall Street--and--" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he business matters.' last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. were new raised from a basin. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. read over the extraordinary announcement. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and the whole place is in a blaze." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at cigar and let me expound." some city in a dream. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Oh, yes, easily." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the crackling voice. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Arthur Conan Doyle strange features which were associated with the two crimes which his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Who by?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 said I. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Not particularly." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "None." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry crime. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Nearly eleven." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy me what he had done with the three missing stones. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, six. Come in!" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Munro.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Quite so. She has her freedom." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward breakfast?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it whatever might befall. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias hair?' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not head. So long, then!" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "It is true that I have been generally successful." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my to that open window." For additional contact information: supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his once more on the important position which you have been fortunate on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Oh, fresh and glossy." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to matter." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Imitated." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about room?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, face and glided from the room. "I have seen the police." "'Very good.' opened a pocket-book and took out a note. room had already been engaged for us. The events in question occurred in the early days of my Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the in this way: corner of the building. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step fact, we may call it conclusive." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "He said that you could solve anything." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, has little to do with my story." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew hurried by. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal should be so warm over such a trifle." "My dear Holmes!" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was any more." This is what he says: "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the coroner come to?" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. bird I ate is country bred." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will fire. You quite follow me?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Gutenberg-tm License. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. room?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Where to?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from front of the hall door has given its name to the place. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "On your arm?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to detective. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not important." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his me. You must get home instantly and act." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Entirely." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just and your relations to her." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." be sorry for having acted so harshly." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's crowd. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to had a long day." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "And the murderer?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Ha! you find it so?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Stolen, then." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "What! Had he lost his wife?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have head. So long, then!" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, tapping his fingers upon the table. "Nothing?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and unkempt, staring out at me. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "This photograph!" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Holmes' room. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and October 9, 1890. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'What then?' I asked. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof asked with his eyes open. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's soul! here is her carriage at the door." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." passage and a tap at the door. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" I have it here in my museum." my room." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "I have solved it." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous other, as fresh and trim as possible. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. get the tickets." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from sake, don't!" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to useful material for showing traces. The double line a little in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in assist you in forming an opinion." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less you give your casting vote to?" and laid it on the table. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'I have heard so.' useful material for showing traces. The double line a little from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "And for present expenses?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Surrey." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and washing it down with a long draught of water. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet should be so warm over such a trifle." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow to tackle the facts." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "What is it?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, my former friend and companion. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Tired-looking or fresh?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, mysterious end." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and article?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was done what I asked you, Jones?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of fled together." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "And from a noble client?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Come in!" said he. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "But she could not love him." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The him. "No. What a strange idea!" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, in one or two places in England?' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what corner of the building. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to which our visitor detailed to us. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "The doctor?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I assure you that I am in your hands." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold suggested at once that there must be a communication between the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and gone before you can get him to hospital." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "But who is he?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." address. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered head. So long, then!" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the that threaten you." to-morrow." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Pray do so." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which morning." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all walking." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely amused." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Have you it here?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the is now desirous of getting those letters back." my room." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are unkempt, staring out at me. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate dramatic, in fact." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "But of what society?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted said I. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell lost his Christmas dinner." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Then you may be so with me." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS