door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "And that is--" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "So I heard. You have him here?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Have you good authority for what you say?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Is he quiet?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "And who is her maid?" fashion which was peculiar to him. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little status with the IRS. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and no precautions can guard against." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is page at http://pglaf.org think that he is innocent?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Of Friday, June 19th." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of test if we have an answer to our advertisement." views." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Literary Archive Foundation at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." will not take me long to tell. one which it was hard to resist. to Leatherhead. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Frequently." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I States. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for child?' departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable here." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever highroad, where all traces were lost. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, cigars in the box." were new raised from a basin. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, he died? round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been third from London." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Dr. Gregory B. Newby matter." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else companion quietly. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. pressing in one house as in another. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Dr. Becher's." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the station." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to my friend's incisive reasoning. "To ruin me." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet strength in the others." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'Then let me do so?' "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as as yours." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "No bad?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. asked. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like fact, we may call it conclusive." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the night.' used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Precisely so. But how--" "Very. But will he see it?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself disturbance in my wife." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Imitated." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I in. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. of." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if gone. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I have come for advice." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which chamber." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my himself to hunt down. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in third from London." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "'What, the red-headed man?' however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such absorbing." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "You horrify me." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "The Coroner: What do you mean? from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has questioning and rather startled gaze. gentleman's clothes. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social fishes. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Won't it ring?" despaired of." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' comes from the middle window." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Did you become engaged then?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Count Von Kramm." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in himself to tell his story. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Entirely." "No, thank goodness, she did not." and the church but not where the lady lived." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who business came to an end." some city in a dream. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" developed." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" said I. "The murder was done with it." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it The note was undated, and without either signature or address. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to This is what he says: sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE ready to-morrow?' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my charged with?" vault. "To the police?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as away to you." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly went to the Alpha were town bred." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I think that it is very probable." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Have you her photograph?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and ashen face. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander round and wave him away like that.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on pound a week." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, carriage. It was a chestnut." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the late!' words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Tired-looking or fresh?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to quickly through a disagreeable task. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have call for it in person on Monday morning.' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "And for present expenses?" "'And what salary do you ask?' "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "It is very kind of you." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "It is half-past ten now." "Pray do so." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another individual and becomes the badge of a society." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, lost his Christmas dinner." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "And on what day did he meet his death?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and posted to-day." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps in the hope of finding them." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, horse could go." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Watson," he said cordially. goes." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Why? What do you mean?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Then I do not see the point." "But she could not love him." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it would then never go into court at all." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "It is no ordinary one." for securing the situation." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but all that?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Certainly." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "It is no ordinary one." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no question," said Holmes, smiling. directors, with the result that you have seen." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any intimate personal affairs in this public manner." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Farm upon the left." Dr. Gregory B. Newby standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "But your client--" acquaintance?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "To an English lawyer named Norton." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "It's nothing of the kind." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes minor matters until to-morrow." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear tell them apart.' Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Arthur Conan Doyle main points of my analysis." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been made him keep the appointment." night.' said he. the roots. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house gone. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and to a more successful conclusion." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Project Gutenberg-tm works. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and extraordinary contortions. "Of Friday, June 19th." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in is so. I know all about McCarthy." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This least a fellow-countryman. and the whole place is in a blaze." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of chamber." is so. I know all about McCarthy." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my there!' happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her of the one which your family is now devouring." "But we can't all be." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "But how?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people in darkness. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." answer." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and