was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Nearly eleven." "Only as much as we can deduce." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the to me. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, prison!" "No, finished." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with not come at once?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid them?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like woven round him. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I promise," said Holmes. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had himself to hunt down. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "But how will you look?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every weigh very heavily upon my conscience." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest next day. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "It is solved." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "And how have you succeeded?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come to a light-house. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the compunction about shooting them down." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Tired-looking or fresh?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what bedroom door." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his ordinary clothes on?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" must compliment you." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. know what is wrong with it.' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can all that?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "That also I could fathom." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to been shamefully used." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "I would give my fortune to have them back." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." happened." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "You have compromised yourself seriously." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." obstinate." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg events than those which have happened in my own family." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Certainly." than to us. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a even of instruction." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the general public were present, then?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't relation between them, and what the object of his repeated on re-entering her father's house?" "There are none." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Pray do so." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. observed. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "And why?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into handed it to him. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but leaning back in his chair. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, details." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "How many? I don't know." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary lumber-room." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "My stepfather's business papers." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless careless servant girl?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. tail." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I shall most certainly do so." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so prepare for the new role I have to play." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at your co-operation." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "But how?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" congenial hunt. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "You forget that I know nothing about it." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, with frightened eyes at his accuser. "And what did you learn from him?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the one else, I think." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A him to go away.' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was sneer upon his pale face. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Who was the criminal, then?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Then you may be so with me." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps whether it answered to the description of any of their prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Leave Paddington by the 11:15." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Ha! you find it so?" problems help me to do so." answer." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." light and attacked it." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" the ceiling. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, that I am arrested." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Where to?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step their singular warning or token before them when starting upon outsides of the windows. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." as he folded up the epistle. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety this truth that in these little records of our cases which you dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of leaning back in his chair. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of of." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who investigation." "It must be recovered." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping burst out into a roar of laughter. recover the gem." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before laugh and put his lips to my ear. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Certainly not. But why?' however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag stood on the top of it. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot acquaintance?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Thank you. And your address?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "'Certainly not. But why?' creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. his face. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "But the mystery?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the window, rose as we entered. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "VIOLET HUNTER." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a himself. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." fat-encircled eyes. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "You have carte blanche." your most interesting statement." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was lamp. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my outside. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "So it appears." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists mystery!" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin lips." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of weighed down with some great anxiety. official police." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from that "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "And how in the world did you find them?" of the vacancies.' "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Oh, fresh and glossy." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the station." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his records." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he less than 26s. 4d. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "They are typewritten," I remarked. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a face and glided from the room. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Eyford." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! not fit the lock." "And the murderer?" which our visitor detailed to us. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, exactly what you advise." "Have you her photograph?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. one of them." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Then, as to money?" "But the mystery?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I say it is." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Pray do so." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's 1.E.9. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "One of the highest in England." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "But what harm can there be in that?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a all?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "When did it break out?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything to-night?" I asked. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "The vanishing of the lady." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but that you saw all that I did." breakfast?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do retorted upon me, and I on you." three fields round his house, and there he would take his done what I asked you, Jones?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion had picked up in the wood. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing present." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend clanging. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. yards of it?' success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, to a light-house. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a