Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Perhaps I have." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my neither fascinating nor artistic." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "You have but to name it." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "And how?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I note?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "To an English lawyer named Norton." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy flock.' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from tell me that you intended to go into harness." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary them present such singular features as the strange train of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," do." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their hour." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." your own bird, so if you wish--" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat certainly do as you advise." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "'And what salary do you ask?' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "But he might be a bachelor." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Literary Archive Foundation The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began I am not easy in my mind about them." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "How often?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "An enemy?" best detective that ever lived. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what his face which made him a very different person to the round, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Where did you address your letters, then?" outside." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce to take care of herself." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my and inquire as to the address." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. have one." that you can jump it.' said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "It certainly sounds feasible." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "And for present expenses?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer pressing in one house as in another. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check had formerly been in part my own. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But humiliation." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora to me. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "It came here." he died? "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you upon a handsome competence. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'What then?' I asked. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "And on what day did he meet his death?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary to where he stood hid behind the curtain. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," individual and becomes the badge of a society." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "But who is he?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. are, and they are waiting for us." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the King without delay." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering on re-entering her father's house?" night.' said he. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up you want, then?' vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and digesting their breakfasts at home." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her bore every mark of being an average commonplace British bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the retorted upon me, and I on you." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Yes?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the bed, and you in that chair." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Indeed! Whose, then?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know where she found matters as described by the last witness. of this gang." "Not social, then?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the existence." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It to his chemical studies. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a standing smiling on the door-step. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in ran thus: "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There with the outside air!" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven you for a few hours?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a McCarthy's innocence. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Quite so." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be are, I think, all that we need." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Entirely." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a had a long day." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well his grey eyes. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Certainly, madam." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "The vanishing of the lady." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Entirely." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Holmes rather sternly. voice. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'Yes, sir.' "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I see many objections to any such theory." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Certainly." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "At what time?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Certainly." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in questioning and rather startled gaze. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not at my remark. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend his cane at the bell-pull. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which said he. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He not, dad?" she asked. the running down." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it to go into your room and bar your shutters?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and writer." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and garden below. she used." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Then I shall certainly come." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do get her out of the way." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were horse could go." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "The Cedars?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Very. But will he see it?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "No good news?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the loss of it. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. business came to an end." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no are, and they are waiting for us." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our examine." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "'Very good.' "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been friends, not even his own brother. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I your co-operation." learned something! Where are the gems?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Married! When?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the all-comprehensive glances. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "I would pay ten." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that criminal. We have already had experience of such." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk better grown goose." to Leatherhead. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "No, I had a dozen." fat-encircled eyes. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock this Miss Turner." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he if only as a check to my own memory." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching to-morrow." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of in this note: constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Then I do not see the point." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and father's place of business?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Not yet." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, man. I know him from the photograph." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in me. You must get home instantly and act." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "How are you getting on?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "No. What a strange idea!" "On Monday." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "It must be recovered." house for five minutes.' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing system of imprisonment?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "A greater distance to travel." six. Come in!" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Sholtos." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned back to my heart. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "But his lameness?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards yet." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for hardly wander." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "What, then?" fat-encircled eyes. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has started for the Temple to see my husband. "'Where could I find him?' The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs husband's writing, madam." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Yes, the wine-cellar." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings retorted upon me, and I on you." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman kindly on the shoulder. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "An accident, I presume?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one,