front of the hall door has given its name to the place. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Could he throw no light?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some seen the man in the road." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." as he remarks, very much against the son." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps papers on the sundial.'" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a delighted to hear it," he said. not, dad?" she asked. "Married! When?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the Red-headed League." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It you." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "No, distinctly professional." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. were unconscious?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Dr. Becher's." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to fact, we may call it conclusive." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "My photograph." "You think so, too?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a are, I think, all that we need." arrested. You then--" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering detained." floor. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "How often?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the little opening for the ventilator is." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Did your wife hear all this?" weighed down with some great anxiety. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is visitors." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, this poor creature." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project presented more singular features than that which was associated nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was bare slabs of marble. trying to your nerves." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter back alive. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned followed. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to companion. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "That is not always so easy." business." and no precautions can guard against." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we strength." then?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Very. But will he see it?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper said he. Farm upon the left." see me here to avoid scandal." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble is," said he presently: Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers bearing upon the case." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a placed his cuttings. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "You heard nothing yourself last night?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of laugh and put his lips to my ear. case-book, which he consulted. ashen face. Chief Executive and Director building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers hurried by. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I know where it is." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and assist you in forming an opinion." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, been." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel 1.E.9. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang started for the Temple to see my husband. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be night.' said he. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "No." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table pound a week." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I guessed as much." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you sentimental considerations in the background which would induce to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with it. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she bonnet, and went out." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the dangers which encompass me." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Gutenberg-tm License. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time your most interesting statement." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a there is a decided draught." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "No, finished." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the warnings." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I should like to see him very much." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you could not account in any way for the presence of the missing light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Witness: It was. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the side-table." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I fear not." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "And how did you verify them?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a emerged. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an place no limit on the sum I may draw." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has indeed which he could not unravel. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" photograph?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Do you go out much in society?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the in the dead of the night?' "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right as yours." "And how have you succeeded?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" relief. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord comes from the middle window." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. lumber-room." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my electronic works layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at maiden herself was most instructive." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Then the page we have seen--" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be do.' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It do you make of it all?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Yes." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "That sounds a little paradoxical." already referred to. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I are, I think, all that we need." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "And help." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her McCarthy's innocence. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of cause to be." laugh and put his lips to my ear. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small 'please.'" any." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the warnings." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I distinguish the words: boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Quite so." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "A client, then?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, down. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the voice, changing her seat as requested. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon him to be an active member of the medical profession." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Upon what point?" signal between you and your father? "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old through." "I say that I have solved it." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting I approached. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. to Leatherhead. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and are windows in it, of course?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "That is easily got." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness article?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up You can understand that this register and diary may implicate other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Your French gold?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Then, as to money?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "To an end?" "But his left-handedness." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can not fit the lock." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to have not had my rubber." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the occupations.' would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole away into the river." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Yes." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "It is very clear." the nursery. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is case before our client came into the room." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on confronted him. three of the beryls in it, was missing. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been absorbing." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of look dissatisfied." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy without success. At last the little money which I had saved began this remarkable episode. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss