the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I I am not easy in my mind about them." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking that?' neither fascinating nor artistic." the ceiling. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my if she died from some sudden fright." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "There are none." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "10th. John Swain cleared. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Yes, certainly." "You did not overhear what they said?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I a few minutes he said that it would be all right. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "What can it mean?" I gasped. voice. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler be best to do. "I am armed." "And you can do nothing until then?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." has little to do with my story." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until unprecedented a position." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "It is true that I have been generally successful." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we copied or distributed: from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of dear old homesteads?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Gutenberg-tm License. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Was there a secret marriage?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a families. Now for the facts. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the armchair which I pushed forward for him. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem for the market.' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and obstinate." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "An enemy?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some call you and give you the chance." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a it right.' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Does that suggest anything?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "What, then, did Peterson do?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the inner apartment." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of mysterious business." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and system of imprisonment?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," relation between them, and what the object of his repeated weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the Red-headed League." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with remarked. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. not as remarkable as your advertisement." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "On the contrary, this is the right side." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Mrs. Toller serenely. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. tear off another piece?' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the ceiling. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "No bad?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "It is solved." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "But the mystery?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Yes, it was twisted." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed all that?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "I don't say that. Perhaps." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' redistribution. have not had my rubber." has little to do with my story." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to heavily into it. furiously. "Precisely so. But how--" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the yet." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still exactly what you advise." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my invisible to me," I remarked. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Why did you pick him?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my held up the lantern and gazed about him. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Is he quiet?" "My Mary? Impossible!" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." you." client, rising. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who chamber." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that it." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "No, I think that I'll take it." the address that was given us in the advertisement. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving narrative." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? business matters.' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian down from London to inquire more deeply into it." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Stoke Moran?" said he. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Again Holmes raved in the air. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and this unhappy family?" one else, I think." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be long narrative. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had definite end. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should tension within him. front of me. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "None. Neville wrote those words." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' gigantic client. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock all?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be infinite languor in his face. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I fear not." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the to have been novel and of interest." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your to have been novel and of interest." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Sutherland?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they following enigmatical notices: landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of himself to hunt down. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "There are none." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "But we can't all be." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during thin, with a long, sharp nose?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Not social, then?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for lost his Christmas dinner." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Yes." "Then, how do you know?" "It's nothing of the kind." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed has little to do with my story." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, putting in the horse. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and glanced through. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and even of instruction." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "And leave your case unfinished?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" trying to your nerves." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Not I." "Of Friday, June 19th." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of go from here to the Strand." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. upon the white wrist. up this clue while it is still hot." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated developed." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. himself to hunt down. "And I." experiences." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Project Gutenberg-tm works. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his a suggestive one." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began swore that no one else had been in the front room during the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Yes, he did." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. in this note: "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long figure." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly you?' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day weapon." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an deduce something from that?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "It is no ordinary one." "What then?" was feeling which was the fattest.' very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in gigantic client. "Then the page we have seen--" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid strength of mind to control. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "How did you deduce the select?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, clanging. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "'Where to?' poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "You horrify me!" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand