coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "An accident, I presume?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I have been better. It is all right." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us of note-paper. It read in this fashion: repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the this as likely?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded 11:15.' same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Can I be of assistance?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "How about poison?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." cheerful." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very get the tickets." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "A greater distance to travel." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I am all attention, madam." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Certainly." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is McCarthy's innocence. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'About the same.' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which to-night." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he will take you up to see the machine.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "But of what society?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be most interesting one." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it papers must be those that are destroyed.' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "You have the photograph?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "And how did you verify them?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I will not look." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself one's self under obligations.' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the young Openshaw's." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "That is it on the dressing-table." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Where does the thing come from?' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I was sure that I might rely on you." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "The Coroner: What do you mean? shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I am in hopes that she does." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Holmes. second window is the one that I jumped from." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were invisible to me," I remarked. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as which it had come upon my father." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "It is very kind of you." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be in his hands." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the was lame." the south-west, I see." upon the white wrist. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Nothing?" into the bag, and made for the door. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black figure." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and morning." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "The gentleman I describe." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "The King of Scandinavia." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, get the tickets." knowledge of the world." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed official police." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. became a certainty. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "How do you know, then?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, there has been an enclosure here!" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to occupations.' have I gained?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS client, rising. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Yes, I promise.' broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Absolutely none." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "I would pay ten." gives a meaning to it." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that hour." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to most important business. It is probable that he will be away all look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose taking in every detail of the apartment. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "In answer to an advertisement." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." friend's singular character. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was passage and a tap at the door. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Her father is very rich?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal stepfather?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Stolen, then." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "But it has twice been burgled." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of get her out of the way." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you interests were the same as his." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out know all about it," he snarled. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Holmes, the busybody!" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from least a most suspicious remark." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know that he will be back before evening." article?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman feature." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin sake, don't!" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "'Yes.' and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again not come at once?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard what is your own theory as to what took place?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' populous neighbourhood." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "It was an hour's good drive." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you he. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "This concluded the examination of the witness." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it weighed down with some great anxiety. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "'Very good.' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. room?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "How do you know, then?" "Yes." at my remark. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "'Yes.' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself bachelor.' to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. more terrible than the truth. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and one of them." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "'I am sure if I had known--' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "You think so, too?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such joking. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be pound a week." as yours." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded taking in every detail of the apartment. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master 11:15.' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will are windows in it, of course?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Sutherland?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to me." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Of Friday, June 19th." article?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." ordinary clothes on?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person closely." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the very letters. But what is this written above them?' who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink me upon any point which I do not make clear." gentleman's clothes. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the your Highness to the police-station?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "And I." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this upon the shelf for the interim." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, as he folded up the epistle. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates husband's writing, madam." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the strength." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided your Highness to the police-station?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence swore that no one else had been in the front room during the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent skylight. know what is wrong with it.' went to the Alpha were town bred." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the written. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I assure you that I am in your hands." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and carried out of court." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." What do you deduce from it?" "Will you go?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "To ruin me." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "In answer to an advertisement." "ARAT," I read. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw could not account in any way for the presence of the missing mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where again before evening." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Pope's Court. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon You can understand that this register and diary may implicate walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Do you receive much company?" he asked. before, for it was considerably after midnight. The King stared at him in amazement. "It is a murder, then?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking sake, don't!" danger is over." anything to do with the matter?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously