"Pray do so." leaning back in his chair. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Yes." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Street. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. and looked back. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in over here." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her spark where all is dark to me." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, business at Coburg Square is serious." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "It came here." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a simple cases which are so extremely difficult." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in there!' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three leave you to your papers for a little." purpose of examination. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'I have heard so.' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your started for the Temple to see my husband. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "You'll never persuade me to believe that." tell me that you intended to go into harness." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "How long did she speak to this Alice?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Have you it here?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be of the way of danger. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let remarked. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom face and glided from the room. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'What do you call purely nominal?' The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building several quiet little villages up there." sake, don't!" investigation." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed shoulder; "he's all right." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case you." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'I have already given you my word.' This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending had died away into the silence from which it rose. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "What have you done?" asked Holmes. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "'Which dealer's?' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "A thing like a cleaver," said he. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and late." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "The landlord of the Alpha." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If business came to an end." "It is half-past ten now." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "What will you do, then?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Where did he live, then?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light a suggestive one." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It is very clear." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "I shall be delighted." touch that coronet?' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear recall any case within my experience which looked at the first and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. fishes. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Then what has happened to him?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "And when will you call?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I should wish to." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her to arrive at through this?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this nonsense.' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly not as remarkable as your advertisement." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the one as in the other." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered learned something! Where are the gems?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "But how?" "'How far from the body?' applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the inquest, and which are worth considering." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "You think that he is dead?" obstinate." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was present strange and interesting features that it is no easy followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Tired-looking or fresh?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." entirely devoid of interest." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic individual and becomes the badge of a society." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "How did you trace it, then?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a ago." for securing the situation." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a pound a week." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, there in twenty minutes." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the posted to-day." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall voice. "Of Friday, June 19th." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" grasp, he hurried from the room. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS charged with?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "How did that help you?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his absorbing." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found rose-bushes. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "'Is purely nominal.' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and will find little credit to be gained out of this case." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for brain must have something in it." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "No, thank goodness, she did not." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Certainly." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Not in a good cause." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable asked with his eyes open. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I shall most certainly do so." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the humiliation." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "What have you to say now?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage any more." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without miles off. Eyford at 11:15.' photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. possible that we could bring him back to her? "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I about. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was washing it down with a long draught of water. "So I have heard." "May I see it?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her round with crates and massive boxes. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing place of silver." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London together. "Upon what point?" "Bought." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the window, rose as we entered. the best of training." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, paper in the air. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at companion. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "In the cells." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'I have heard so.' Mary, has deserted me." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "That is possible." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, less than 26s. 4d. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Not particularly." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day bare slabs of marble. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic October 9, 1890. "'A dozen yards or so.' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running because she had spent so short a time in this country that she while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling discontent upon his features. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the records." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "His face fell immediately. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, States. before, for it was considerably after midnight. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel three fields round his house, and there he would take his test if we have an answer to our advertisement." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Whose house is it?" there." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, main points of my analysis." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were note?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide over with notes and figures. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes bare slabs of marble. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what towards the blaze. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'A dozen yards or so.' and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which interested in these little problems, and since you are good "What are they?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon felt?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the thought that she would have been so carried away." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment of this gang." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'You doubt its value?' he asked. lumber-room." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my prison!" over here." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for which it had come upon my father." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Yes, he did." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Oh, yes, easily." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my prepare for the new role I have to play." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The what these perils are?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the armchair which I pushed forward for him. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "It is to him that this trophy belongs." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the running down." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as you?" "How are you getting on?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was you?" "You were travelling in the States?" you." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long answered with a sidelong glance. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite