There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much this truth that in these little records of our cases which you whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, minor matters until to-morrow." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the tragedy. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were there when the Rucastles went away." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." companion imperturbably. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the call you and give you the chance." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "No, I am descending." the loss of it. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words is so. I know all about McCarthy." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of someone who had been in Australia." go--none." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save heavy and sharp instrument." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "None." "May I see it?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than you in your example." had this final quarrel? "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads get her out of the way." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the coronet in his hands?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a towards the blaze. bonnet, and went out." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "And what did you see?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Yes." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so corner of the building. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and footfalls from the street. records." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Has he come with you to-night?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing it with his own hands." photograph?" "But it has twice been burgled." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My hurried away. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." late." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of mysterious end." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "'There is a drive, then?' "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I was certainly surprised to find you there." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the could gather together that I was able to avert another public volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and there." obstinate." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I am following you closely," I answered. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "'What, the red-headed man?' suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of do.' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and entirely lost his self-respect." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. people in all walks of life. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands ceremony." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had make me his representative both with the servants and with the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Certainly, madam." mysterious end." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the father's place of business?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Here?" feature." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey wall." carriage. It was a chestnut." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the seven miles from Eyford Station.' other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you forecastle of an emigrant ship. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not me. You must get home instantly and act." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then had a long day." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. again on its way. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that forehead. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Yes, I have one waiting." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and train.' description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Yes." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." spare." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I was afraid that you were engaged." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the was used.' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De your only hope of safety." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. do.' This is what he says: "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'You doubt its value?' he asked. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the bears upon the case?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "The vanishing of the lady." wanted for ourselves." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet habit of advancing money.' bare slabs of marble. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a writers could invent nothing more crude." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact with frightened eyes at his accuser. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done business came to an end." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'Is 4 pounds a week.' come either from the window or the door. My attention was cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the bare slabs of marble. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might retorted upon me, and I on you." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me three of the beryls in it, was missing. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: villagers almost as much as their master. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly words came to my lips. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "How did you trace it, then?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining hardly wander." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "'How far from the body?' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to arrive at through this?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "To an end?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Not yet." were wasted." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, standing smiling on the door-step. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Was he the only applicant?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which case-book, which he consulted. golden eyeglasses. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "I came to find a friend." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close believe that I should never have any practice at all. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." ago." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "What!" he roared. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to she used." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old remarked. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some if I call to-morrow?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. on in his house." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. was a perfect sample of the class. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage them?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted tension within him. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past than to us. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, next day. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we whereabouts. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is could gather together that I was able to avert another public "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation hard-headed British jury." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: there was no need for father to know." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and States. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "She walked into the breakfast-room." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a learned something! Where are the gems?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Did he not advertise?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next tightly behind him. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the loss of it. companion. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than introspective fashion. "I would give my fortune to have them back." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Ten will be early enough." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "That is it on the dressing-table." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the better grown goose." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were with her." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. away to you." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. correct than the official force." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "And you can do nothing until then?" everything which you would wish to know." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "That is possible." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, status with the IRS. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "If I can be of use." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. You want to know what became of those geese?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' III. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "No, I had a dozen." "I will, Miss Turner." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Certainly." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "You think that he is dead?" "He said too much." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would some water from a caraffe.