"You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my opened the door, and slipped through. "He said too much." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The locked. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be gives a meaning to it." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "You think that he is dead?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "And why?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "And how did you find out?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging locked. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united astonishment. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Why, what do you mean?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a were unconscious?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Nearly eleven." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "I will do it." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Certainly." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way electronic works the running down." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work your co-operation." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few shoulder. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no knowledge of the world." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. him to go away.' into the bag, and made for the door. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the loss of it. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "A thing like a cleaver," said he. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Sholtos." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE head. So long, then!" green of the new foliage. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Witness: It was. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "How did you trace it, then?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which do you make of it all?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are get her out of the way." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his gone before you can get him to hospital." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was had a long day." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Perfectly so." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "The best possible." "Ah!" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." in one or two places in England?' "Yes, that is the Crown." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'Very good.' rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His tassel actually lying upon the pillow. and put his glass in his pocket. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting just called myself is not exactly my own." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite key turn in the lock." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs views." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Farm upon the left." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I see many objections to any such theory." "And you can do nothing until then?" Foundation "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Is he quiet?" "Can I be of assistance?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "No, I had a dozen." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "She told me to ask you." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him some city in a dream. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate several quiet little villages up there." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up upon the white wrist. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said vanished into the darkness. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Entirely." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out cheerful." child?' this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You returned to France?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known strong reason behind." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Leadenhall Street--and--" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner been anything against him. He had for years been known as a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, how narrow had been my escape. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as get the tickets." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the date of his supposed suicide." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "How did you deduce the select?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Perfectly so." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what some mystery and the punishment of some crime." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric and no precautions can guard against." "They are typewritten," I remarked. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." It may be so in this case, also." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they seem to you to be relevant or not." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him you." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, business came to an end." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent himself to tell his story. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have this Miss Turner." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong has little to do with my story." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I companion imperturbably. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "You think so, too?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to behind me. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his redistribution. "No." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'Not at all. I only doubt--' She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was as the one I chose?' respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in do." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." you." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." better in every way that they should make their position a little we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "What of the rat, then?" "No, but the enclosure is." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock know that the truth is known." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming deduce something from that?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has bird of prey. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a second." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to key turn in the lock." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that hopeless attempt at recovering them." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went depend upon your compliance." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective to-morrow." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "What do you mean?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret never came back." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Yes." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in sparkled upon his finger. less than 26s. 4d. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "What then?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "He is still with you, I presume?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "I assure you that I am in your hands." with her." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "What! a murderous attack?" "My stepfather's business papers." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Sholtos." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Perhaps I have." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while footfalls from the street. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in woven round him. "I guessed as much." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I have a cab outside." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" again on its way. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "9th. McCauley cleared. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' good-night and bustled off upon her way. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to if only as a check to my own memory." it with his own hands." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Eyford at 11:15.' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow in my life." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Clair, of Lee." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of some terrible trap for her." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but sentimental considerations in the background which would induce closing the door. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "And leave your case unfinished?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. money should be paid at once.' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. asked with his eyes open. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And that is--" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense fishes. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if that, and I came down." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "There is the writing." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "'Very good.' "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send amused." know what is wrong with it.' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new think that any burglar could have done. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said whatever might befall. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. works. to have that photograph." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, conceal it?" crackling voice. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell minor matters until to-morrow." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was I was concerned in it." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'Quite sure, dad.' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less