The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was future lives." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had how narrow had been my escape. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came have had none more fantastic than this." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "You horrify me!" me where it went to?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I his face. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported read over the extraordinary announcement. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought secret." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the events than those which have happened in my own family." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets again on its way. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before is so. I know all about McCarthy." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the bottom.' vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the ceiling. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the during that time.' play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Oh, yes, easily." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." an introduction to him?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet noting anything else of interest. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "'Why that?' I asks. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. it." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry of the vacancies.' into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Yesterday." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence or in danger--" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me see a sister of mine apply for." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of delighted to hear it," he said. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' this remarkable episode. or in danger--" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might singular points about the case. What did the police think of the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my at my remark. young Openshaw's." "'Never.' undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the very morning of the wedding." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day not, dad?" she asked. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little coroner's jury." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is business at Coburg Square is serious." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Where does the thing come from?' "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. character. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "There are none." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite even so self-evident a thing as that." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Never." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I think that it is very probable." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for London for the present?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear cigar and let me expound." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to everything which you would wish to know." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you in the hope of finding them." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal from you?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter call for it in person on Monday morning.' of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "You'll never persuade me to believe that." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "The rest you will leave in our hands." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back as the one I chose?' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Where is it, then?" get the tickets." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said roused himself from his reverie. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him back alive. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "No sign of it?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "And help." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as easy-going way." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather affection." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to guilty one." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram you." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, as he remarks, very much against the son." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "ARAT," I read. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could have one." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended little trying to do so much typewriting?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good never to learn it at all." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." money should be paid at once.' "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a might have a private word with us. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If interest. They are important, you understand, without being chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had relation between them, and what the object of his repeated comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from place no limit on the sum I may draw." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled it." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Really! You surprise me." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was memory. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly of them has the shutters up.' your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the my secret was safe in his possession. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the house with me." mystery!" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Certainly." unprecedented a position." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "How on earth--" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," but preventing her from injuring another. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, populous neighbourhood." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second nice household for a young lady." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very evidence," I remarked. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." the night.' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "No, my brougham is waiting." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "It is to him that this trophy belongs." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I was afraid that you were engaged." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "He is still with you, I presume?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be status with the IRS. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing comes from the middle window." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small as he remarks, very much against the son." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, wedding?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "It may not come to that," said Holmes. legal crime." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the coronet in his hand?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "This photograph!" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have giving me time to thank him. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. other lovers by making love himself." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. his fortune, and I went back to pa. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long introspective fashion. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such my room." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Won't it ring?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp evidence," I remarked. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come are, and they are waiting for us." interested in these little problems, and since you are good unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Imitated." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Absolutely?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "How do you know, then?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "'Never,' said I. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "And how did you verify them?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since delighted to hear it," he said. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "And I to find an enemy." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "What then?" appeal." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "When did she vanish, then?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Clair, of Lee." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose here and I will read it to you: lids now and glanced across at his visitor. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "And you don't know his address?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended to-morrow." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Yes." "You are hungry," I remarked. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. I think that I could be of assistance to you." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "That is it on the dressing-table." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "It must be recovered." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a