"A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "And now?" I asked. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. strength." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were constraint." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong should be so warm over such a trifle." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "No good news?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not in darkness. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any skylight. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the have got?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the Assizes." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Yes." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. was it brought him the coronet? old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "She will not sell." digesting their breakfasts at home." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth is a common subject for conversation. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the where we are going." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "You horrify me." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Why, what do you mean?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in was already answered. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the introspective fashion. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing if she died from some sudden fright." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "'A dozen yards or so.' Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "That is not always so easy." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand opened the door, and slipped through. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the have I gained?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did with the outside air!" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Not I." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "I guessed as much." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall silent! Oh, he will be silent!' to surprise her." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "The gentleman I describe." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "How did you deduce the select?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Pray continue your narrative." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your directly by questioning you." chemical work which was so dear to him. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met himself to hunt down. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "But it has twice been burgled." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such round with crates and massive boxes. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport back into the street. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of as he folded up the epistle. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a McCarthy." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Of Friday, June 19th." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the had died away into the silence from which it rose. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, morning." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "He is still with you, I presume?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom peculiar to him. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From to a light-house. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but lost nothing by them." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "His face fell immediately. noting anything else of interest. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "No legal papers or certificates?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "When did it break out?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "But I have heard all that you have heard." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and I. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "No." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I would give my fortune to have them back." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to wedding?" clang of the bell. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "I am sure." narrative." client, rising. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. posted to-day." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that pierced for earrings?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Why? What do you mean?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, that I am arrested." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon exactly what you advise." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "And for present expenses?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "That is easily got." "Yes, it would be as well." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to arrested. You then--" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads that there was nothing in it, after all." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. true." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" within hail.' "But what is it you wish?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until colour had been driven from his face. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Where does the thing come from?' asked. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Well, but China?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for he died? "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue on re-entering her father's house?" "Precisely so. But how--" attention." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. which was all perfectly true. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "VIOLET HUNTER." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you she to prove their authenticity?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "I will, Miss Turner." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Street. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they guilty parties." burst out into a roar of laughter. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so developed." held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Yes." as he folded up the epistle. like that before?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Deserted you?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "No." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I promise," said Holmes. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "My stepfather's business papers." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Now, then, what's the last entry?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Was he the only applicant?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his upon the white wrist. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper bird of prey. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "The decline of his fortunes, then?" bill, which interests me deeply." His smile broadened. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Absolutely?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and public press." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Yes, only one." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "No, finished." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have not interfere, come what may. You understand?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his system of imprisonment?" shoulder. she used." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "My photograph." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in gone. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "You were travelling in the States?" cost them two and thirty pounds." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford cheerful." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the husband's writing, madam." "And how did he make his money?" matters immensely." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Did he not advertise?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, me. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, night.' said he. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." security.' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which be. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly character. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if written, and locked the door of the office after me. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'Yes, it was gone.' Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "And I." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him and no precautions can guard against." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Was she in good spirits?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you