"Which surely he restored to their owner?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "The rest you will leave in our hands." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a to take care of herself." congenial hunt. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I man. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own that you wished to speak to me?' upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I quick march!" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "None. Neville wrote those words." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler narrative." some terrible trap for her." dead, shall be safe with us." not as remarkable as your advertisement." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" on in his house." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem garden below. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I do." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Yes, only one." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Witness: It was. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very when you have done it." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "And why?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three read over the extraordinary announcement. to-night." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of think, you have already met." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "And what did you learn from him?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence daring than any effort of the imagination." "Well, some hundreds of times." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain room?" of his shoulders. long narrative. over here." The events in question occurred in the early days of my the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. shoulder; "he's all right." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "How did he come?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Not I." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove heavy and sharp instrument." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we do.' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the through." the coroner come to?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its one of them." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. village inn over there?" several quiet little villages up there." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all least a fellow-countryman. "I will get her to show me." "Ah!" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "I shall be delighted." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "She told me to ask you." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "That is unusual in a young girl." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in highly," said Holmes. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "'Where to?' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary know that the truth is known." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the his fortune, and I went back to pa. Chief Executive and Director always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside occurred." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "It is very clear." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, You want to know what became of those geese?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ourselves in the office." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "It is very kind of you." bled considerably." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot lamp. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire posted to-day." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. 1.F. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "But how did you gain them?" Street. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope better in every way that they should make their position a little from the brougham. father's young wife. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Sutherland. one's self under obligations.' absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, key of the affair now." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "And Miss Sutherland?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as information in his hands the value of which he did not himself conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "None." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his train from Paddington which would bring you there at about this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Well, but China?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Certainly." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my amused." "Absolutely none." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which the King without delay." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and is," said he presently: his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already lids now and glanced across at his visitor. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. I think that I could be of assistance to you." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just sake, don't!" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "How many? I don't know." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Yes." Sholtos." to a light-house. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a this man was intellectual?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Yes." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a might help us?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner round and wave him away like that.' "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that I am not easy in my mind about them." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the south-west, I see." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of an introduction to him?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" questioning and rather startled gaze. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and fat-encircled eyes. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "9th. McCauley cleared. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had comes from the middle window." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "You forget that I know nothing about it." union?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far client, rising. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife helping a boy to put up the shutters. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "That was it, sir." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I have come for advice." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it my former friend and companion. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near been with you?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. is worth.' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight such person." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Yes, the wine-cellar." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great disturbance in my wife." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Then how many are there?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Is he quiet?" "No, I had a dozen." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could stammered. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What in the port of London." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away comes from the middle window." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his charge against him will break down." true." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking always that they were such commands as a lady might with At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for she used." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, conceal it?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position as yours." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that rose-bushes. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I