village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "'And the work?' clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "That also I could fathom." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." as the one I chose?' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "And what then?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at said I. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "But how could you guess what the motive was?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Won't it ring?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "A call for help, you thought?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and I shall be with you presently." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the Friday. Was it to be in church?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could nothing of it?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack address. the loss of it. spark where all is dark to me." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's believe that I should never have any practice at all. do.' Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the furiously. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging to talk it over. said Mr. Holder. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian south, for the country is more deserted there." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." you for a few hours?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon a very grave face. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham nights." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are ordinary clothes on?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "But of what society?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" in this way: appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife room. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' quite distinctive." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I know where it is." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes nothing of it?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. in darkness. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been through." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the bottom.' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Do you go out much in society?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "And how did you verify them?" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon in a very precise fashion." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "What of the rat, then?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's be best to do. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of with frightened eyes at his accuser. learned something! Where are the gems?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have national property. I was determined that the law should have its my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Chief Executive and Director face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only of a light. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the friends, not even his own brother. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it one of the states of the Union." coat-tails." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in few hundred pounds.' was feeling which was the fattest.' "On Monday." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'What would be the hours?' I asked. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off whole matter to your consideration." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I to-morrow." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Yes." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass girl said." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in and wait." discontent upon his features. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. you." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become over here." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave case before our client came into the room." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. me have 200 pounds?' and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "It surprised me." fattened it expressly for you.' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" will be renamed. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "This photograph!" Literary Archive Foundation very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a quite distinctive." "What! Had he lost his wife?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Yes, at the mines." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "And help." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for nothing with him." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you himself to hunt down. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have your own bird, so if you wish--" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot but preventing her from injuring another. weighed down with some great anxiety. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. business." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "I know where it is." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the any." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Yes." "And why in hopes?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Quite so. She has her freedom." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and about here speaks of his kindness to him." at a side door. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I crackling voice. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Yes, at the mines." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with anything to do with the matter?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "How do you know, then?" hereditary King of Bohemia." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and conceal it?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "You have but to name it." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "How can you tell that?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the upon the shelf for the interim." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now death." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of McCarthy's innocence. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "And it is--" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Of Friday, June 19th." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened went to the Alpha were town bred." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my I have it here in my museum." "Yes, certainly." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to in the dead of the night?' and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another are windows in it, of course?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a father's place of business?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, matters immensely." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to of them has the shutters up.' "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of out of this horrible affair." man. I know him from the photograph." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at discontent upon his features. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "No. His orders were to stay in the house." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my constraint." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the general public were present, then?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that it." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his made his money." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "By no means." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. just called myself is not exactly my own." did not hear it also.' least a most suspicious remark." "What of the rat, then?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Stolen, then." mystery!" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite It may be so in this case, also." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "'Stolen!' he cried. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray said he at last. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now carried out of court." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed purpose equally well?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a these bleak autumnal evenings." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to to surprise her." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk that you wished to speak to me?' "You will not go there first?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Sutherland?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "No. What a strange idea!" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the whole matter to your consideration." orange pips. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Then what has happened to him?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. new duties?' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Texas, I think." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Yes." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "But what harm can there be in that?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'Oh, no.' held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I am to be neutral?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! ran thus: article?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the you want, then?' to-morrow." bearing upon the case." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "And you can do nothing until then?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "What steps will you take?" I asked. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "But you would not advise me to refuse?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the