"'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save During two years I have had three consultations and one small time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Witness: Nothing definite. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an instituted." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a I have it here in my museum." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. constraint." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you strong and stiff." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at pierced for earrings?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign place, I think that there is good ground to think that the chemical work which was so dear to him. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally conduct the inquiry." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety official police." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "His face fell immediately. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, upon the shelf for the interim." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated nothing of it?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "I was afraid that you were engaged." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." the matter." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Why, it's a dummy," said he. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and drawing your inferences." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been persecution?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "I beg pardon." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Not in the least." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of you." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said companion. and the church but not where the lady lived." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every even of instruction." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, down. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be you do it in twenty minutes!' "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "From his hat?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" which are rolled in Rotterdam." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. started for the Temple to see my husband. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much happened." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to there were one or two details which were new to me. But the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, unprofitable." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit What do you deduce from it?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Who was the criminal, then?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "No, but the enclosure is." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "It is solved." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step followed. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more DAMAGE. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the writing, and yet I know it well." definite end. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, crowd. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions than to us. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish suspect him." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "There is the writing." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Stoke Moran?" said he. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "And why in hopes?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Oh, fresh and glossy." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "'Never.' myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage clang of the bell. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he For additional contact information: "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Yes." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, tapping his fingers upon the table. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "A confidential servant?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his do.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last things are very often connected not with the larger but with the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over highroad, where all traces were lost. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the general public were present, then?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for hands. "'What do you call purely nominal?' gives a meaning to it." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the golden eyeglasses. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; some place of shelter and let the county police know what has was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such delirious. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I cannot as yet see any connection." get her out of the way." "What do you make of that, Watson?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to weapon." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "How did you deduce the select?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the is so. I know all about McCarthy." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Was there a secret marriage?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had to miss it." like that before?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and there when the Rucastles went away." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Why did you beat the pavement?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he that he has suffered." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too his face. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'It is locked up,' I answered. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'Where to?' "Yes, sir." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Gutenberg-tm License. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it This is what he says: admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. gone. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than arrangements." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the strode off upon his way. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To gone. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "So it appears." "Then you may entirely rely on me." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Now, then, what's the last entry?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "And why?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This think you a quite exceptional woman." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the devil!" wedding?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I criminal. We have already had experience of such." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. three fields round his house, and there he would take his come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his said he. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, indeed happy." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, society." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may to miss it." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy persecution?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Yes." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Have you good authority for what you say?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Frequently." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had waste of energy." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing himself to tell his story. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he awaited us upon the table. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance away into the river." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On thirty. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the your troubles." "But what harm can there be in that?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in corner of the building. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'Never.' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, my former friend and companion. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing of a light. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. me where it went to?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it ready to-morrow?' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his direction." dear old homesteads?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which been shamefully used." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the front of me. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the conceal it?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their triumphant cloud from his cigarette. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "She told me to ask you." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Count Von Kramm." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Pool. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "In San Francisco, a year ago." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the room?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice things are very often connected not with the larger but with the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at o'clock is it?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged lumber-room." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a will be renamed. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on there!' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now friends, not even his own brother. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I am to be neutral?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a amused." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Why, it's a dummy," said he. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with night.' said he. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried