chill to my heart. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. awaited us upon the table. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing of Mr. Rucastle's." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Imitated." call you and give you the chance." "You have a clue?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "What?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this purpose equally well?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both gbnewby@pglaf.org the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some opportunities to fix the problem. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Absolutely?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the south-west, I see." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them tassel actually lying upon the pillow. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before to have been novel and of interest." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his held up the lantern and gazed about him. begun to whiten, even as mine has." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Munro.' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry hurried away. License. You must require such a user to return or breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and no precautions can guard against." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in strength of mind to control. point in the dark hollow of his hand. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we despair." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, a very grave face. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her good for you to do.' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." cost them two and thirty pounds." "Very much so." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Mary, has deserted me." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the placed his cuttings. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "'I have heard so.' bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. but preventing her from injuring another. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Certainly." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Yes." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who unkempt, staring out at me. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Again Holmes raved in the air. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; address. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "That you are never beaten." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing I held the little printed slip to the light. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "A call for help, you thought?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I The King stared at him in amazement. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Breckinridge is his name." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty to a more successful conclusion." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, present." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "The vanishing of the lady." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "I am in hopes that she does." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, but preventing her from injuring another. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. door?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I of them has the shutters up.' "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her to affect your life." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious taking in every detail of the apartment. "You saw the ventilator, too?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the and laid it on the table. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper over part of the map. "What do you read?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a shaken than I had ever seen him. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and mystery!" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure you found me to-night--and running through the front room she - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, details." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as and I shall be with you presently." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "And from a noble client?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, before the coroner and the police-court." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "None. Neville wrote those words." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her all-comprehensive glances. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do a very grave face. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I cannot tell." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the young Openshaw's." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been outbreak?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the with you alone." "The murder was done with it." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in about here speaks of his kindness to him." advice." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness papers on the sundial.'" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." make me his representative both with the servants and with the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "VIOLET HUNTER." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. it right.' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the For additional contact information: down. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the helping a boy to put up the shutters. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I shall be delighted." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend which should have the effect of calling the attention of the light and attacked it." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Yes." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of colour had been driven from his face. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "In heaven's name, what for?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to before, for it was considerably after midnight. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to client, rising. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we with her." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Farm upon the left." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "No, I think that I'll take it." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness pressing in one house as in another. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Heh?' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Tired-looking or fresh?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Holmes' room. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "But how will you look?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. McCarthy's innocence. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I am sure." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" that?' social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall papers on the sundial.'" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "So I am. Very much so." companion. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "I cannot tell." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Yes." was shining brightly. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found key of the affair now." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful always that they were such commands as a lady might with Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until The events in question occurred in the early days of my skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "I guessed as much." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in highroad, where all traces were lost. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I cannot imagine." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an grasp, he hurried from the room. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the gone. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly was once confined in the cab my mission was practically professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. be sorry for having acted so harshly." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "'You doubt its value?' he asked. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project instincts rose up against that laugh. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a shaken than I had ever seen him. within hail.' that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. seven miles from Eyford Station.' on in his house." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit in a friendly supper." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "One?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened McCarthy." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his I have it here in my museum." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the thirty. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "'Ample.' "And you thought he was pulled back?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "But of what society?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." do.' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, must compliment you." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Yes." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately over with notes and figures. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the it with his own hands." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project me where it went to?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "But she will refuse." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that your co-operation." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as to miss it." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings.