headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable said I. "How did he come?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I behind me. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "I beg pardon." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been happened." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "When did it break out?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning recall any case within my experience which looked at the first the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Of what?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found During two years I have had three consultations and one small "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." really the only notable feature about the thing." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And the cigar-holder?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out and it need not interfere very much with one's other wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the bedroom door." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant there." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I his face. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing this poor creature." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have out." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon excitement. again, where I was soon asleep. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of o'clock is it?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "No." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and the salesman. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a such person." "You have the photograph?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to thought that she would have been so carried away." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking quick march!" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Nothing." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing have not had my rubber." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty away in different directions, and I went off to make my own 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, there." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "What! Had he lost his wife?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken to-night." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Holmes, the busybody!" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. to his chemical studies. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I fear not." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment that, and I came down." purpose of examination. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed you." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Was the window open?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "I cannot tell." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "'And what salary do you ask?' "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. shall not find me ungrateful." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "What have you done?" asked Holmes. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones James Windibank. Voilà tout!" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." hands. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Who by?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "BALLARAT." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a occurred." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "And sit in the dark?" only touch the interest." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' eavesdroppers?' object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past burst into a hearty fit of laughter. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is shall use the carriage to-night." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. observed. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." will not take me long to tell. my friend's incisive reasoning. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he taking in every detail of the apartment. paper in the air. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution I have it here in my museum." voice, changing her seat as requested. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this at my remark. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Perfectly so." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look may have an influence upon European history." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the girl said." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "But what harm can there be in that?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. way: "Oh, yes, easily." "I have a cab outside." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united off." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" garden below. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily thirty. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Then he might have called to you?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "And it is--" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his distinguish the words: occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" gbnewby@pglaf.org us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the King without delay." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and http://gutenberg.net/license). but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "A greater distance to travel." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say true." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Where, indeed?" "What of the rat, then?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "You were travelling in the States?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "What do you mean?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my anything to a woman, for she would have her way." affection." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from know all about it," he snarled. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I would give my fortune to have them back." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "It is no ordinary one." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at danger is over." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, anything to do with the matter?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. present." meant." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Your French gold?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "The Cedars?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes ordinary clothes on?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance is now desirous of getting those letters back." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press possible that we could bring him back to her? contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped third from London." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss believe that I should never have any practice at all. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the answer." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone quite distinctive." from you?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows colonel looking down at me. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "So I heard. You have him here?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with again." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a furiously. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." at my own good fortune. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Oh, yes, easily." the matter?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by tell me that you intended to go into harness." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "But what is it you wish?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose like gravel from a pit.' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "No legal papers or certificates?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have towards the blaze. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never that he has suffered." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. client, rising. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Did he not advertise?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in words came to my lips. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if out." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if fishes. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project train.' fact, we may call it conclusive." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study may never be exposed to such a temptation." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' photograph?" the coronet at all injured?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by drove away. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it are, I think, all that we need." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack generous with you in money matters.' and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for and have this put in the evening papers." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to business." washing it down with a long draught of water. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her.