were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, discontent upon his features. all-comprehensive glances. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Precisely." joking. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that nonsense.' inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Nothing." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were investigation." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is started for the Temple to see my husband. I. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Chief Executive and Director "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to grasp, he hurried from the room. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, your troubles." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "It is possible." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' with the outside air!" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed considering the formidable letters which were received by himself disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to http://www.gutenberg.net when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are evidence," I remarked. gone. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Yes." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too telegram would bring me down to your help." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Witness: I must still refuse. "I have seen the police." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the of this gang." so far?" wedding?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "At half-wages, in fact." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Never." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Did he not advertise?" morning." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had digesting their breakfasts at home." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive were unconscious?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "She showed me, as I told you she would." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and three fields round his house, and there he would take his come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the to-night?" I asked. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "What are they?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "We must sit without light. He would see it through the breakfast?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do read it out to me." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think chambers. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His 'I should be able to look after that for you.' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. depend upon my doing so.' instincts rose up against that laugh. memory. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant most important business. It is probable that he will be away all that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by chill to my heart. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Pope's Court, Fleet Street." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a your most interesting statement." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything suddenly upon us." little adventures." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Then I do not see the point." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the down. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a away to you." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that be. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all foresight and the moral retrogression?" knowledge of the world." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to peculiar to him. existence." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Certainly." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "You saw the ventilator, too?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' vague figure huddled up in the darkness. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "And help." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the despaired of." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I interest. They are important, you understand, without being "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can indeed which he could not unravel. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'Never,' said I. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your plantation.' London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "The knees of his trousers." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "In heaven's name, what for?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in a very precise fashion." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them photograph?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the been deceived." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us shoulder. again before evening." good-night and bustled off upon her way. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the warnings." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "The Coroner: What do you mean? our word." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the unprofitable." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "He is dead," cried several voices. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Pope's Court. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Have you it here?" future lives." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." to miss it." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his murdered man." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "What will you do, then?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the bed, and you in that chair." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to was a lad." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of things are very often connected not with the larger but with the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the chair. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the been shamefully used." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Where is it, then?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Very truly yours, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "The landlord of the Alpha." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I redistribution. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little written. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "No." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others that threaten you." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some which we had just quitted. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between south, for the country is more deserted there." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward long narrative. door?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. were unconscious?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback way in." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to purpose of examination. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other carriage. It was a chestnut." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "My photograph." her also." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Yes." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the question. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer of a light. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "No, thank goodness, she did not." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as and it need not interfere very much with one's other "And why in hopes?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "You have the photograph?" "No legal papers or certificates?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "'I am sure if I had known--' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "That is possible." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining this as likely?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who