other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and thin legs towards the fire. appeal." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Ah!" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I promise," said Holmes. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and prosperity to your house. Good-night." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Street. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from in one or two places in England?' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, not personally threatened." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Bought." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and distinguish the words: obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow fat-encircled eyes. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought lamp. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for bill, which interests me deeply." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Sutherland. "How do you know, then?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Where did you address your letters, then?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the inner apartment." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case certainly not very gracious." acted in my house last night?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's this poor creature." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to cause to be." "I came to find a friend." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything himself to tell his story. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat not interfere, come what may. You understand?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see within hail.' pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I shall continue with my miserable story. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Can I be of assistance?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the gone before you can get him to hospital." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have works. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those ready to-morrow?' "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that where we are going." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I cannot say that I have." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving again on its way. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing my little problems." "Then he might have called to you?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "The doctor?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they easy-going way." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small if I call to-morrow?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "And sit in the dark?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the for the market.' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call not fit the lock." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his some place of shelter and let the county police know what has compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, certainly not very gracious." "'I shall certainly be there.' "I am to be neutral?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's empty. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'What do you call purely nominal?' frequently gained my first real insight into the character of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two key turn in the lock." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an have not had my rubber." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "No." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us clang of the bell. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "'There is a drive, then?' The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "You think that he is dead?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. bearing upon the case." key turn in the lock." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "What shall I do?" "Have you it here?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "My photograph." "By no means." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." skylight. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'Yes, sir.' go from here to the Strand." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently know what is wrong with it.' events than those which have happened in my own family." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was sake, don't!" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the inner apartment." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us at my remark. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes cheerful." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I closely." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the mystery." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "He said that you could solve anything." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." I leave." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Then you may entirely rely on me." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the date of his supposed suicide." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a six. Come in!" "She told me to ask you." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the best of training." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new guilty one." call you and give you the chance." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "The doctor?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, present." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the gives a meaning to it." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he matters immensely." peculiar to him. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said in the port of London." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by occurred." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a bird of prey. "That is not always so easy." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Dirty?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of main points of my analysis." the Assizes." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "And who is her maid?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If signal between you and your father? in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I am about to be married." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon few hundred pounds.' test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "9th. McCauley cleared. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to even so self-evident a thing as that." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the was not a bird to be seen there. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the page at http://pglaf.org "How can you tell that?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "VIOLET HUNTER." in a friendly supper." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Holmes. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not locked. point in the dark hollow of his hand. prepare for the new role I have to play." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "It is no ordinary one." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "It's nothing of the kind." "'Where to?' sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact go from here to the Strand." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the bottom.' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's other, as fresh and trim as possible. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. in the dead of the night?' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and capable of preserving a secret.' habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Pray do so." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back he. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his morning." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "We have tried and failed." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael is so. I know all about McCarthy." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the room while you explain this matter?" I approached. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "He might." mystery!" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange detective. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes do you make of it all?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached hardly wander." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his upon an income of about 60 pounds." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon trifles." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "You will not go there first?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have room. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'I am sure if I had known--' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, about. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "He said too much." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered evidence," I remarked. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the examination of the premises, but without finding anything which English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I have my revolver," said I. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is said he, "my real name is James Ryder." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.'