but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom of a light. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of have not had my rubber." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "My photograph." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "What steps will you take?" I asked. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I in this note: not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent bore every mark of being an average commonplace British only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "No, finished." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event answer." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." went to the Alpha were town bred." that I am arrested." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What of." "I should be immensely obliged to you." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of shall not find me ungrateful." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "I have my revolver," said I. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, I nodded to show that I had heard. fluttered off among the others. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." eat it." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Pope's Court. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major means taking possession of that which another person has a prior down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will visitors." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up sake, don't!" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for ways including including checks, online payments and credit card gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else that I am arrested." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, an introduction to him?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "I have a cab outside." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "But the mystery?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' seen the man in the road." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "They are typewritten," I remarked. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the gives a meaning to it." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, populous neighbourhood." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of less than 26s. 4d. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. I nodded again. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she me where it went to?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as other lovers by making love himself." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon digesting their breakfasts at home." six. Come in!" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes had died away into the silence from which it rose. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I answered that I had not. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to second window is the one that I jumped from." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "My dear Holmes!" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a certainly not very gracious." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. confronted him. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You'll never persuade me to believe that." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "I never have." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat against a man in the prime of life?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I and put his glass in his pocket. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Yes." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I am armed." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "If so, much may have happened between." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you opportunities to fix the problem. off." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "How did that help you?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, bearing upon the case." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "He is still with you, I presume?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something is four-and-twenty." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger placed his cuttings. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable the roots. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a congratulate you again." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Nothing." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Yes." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Well, it is a possible supposition." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "In heaven's name, what for?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the think that he is innocent?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "About a month then." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell him and tried to hold him back. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "No sign of it?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the house with me." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his redistribution. "We have tried and failed." occupations.' and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Game for a morning drive?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "No bad?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the quickly through a disagreeable task. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Literary Archive Foundation sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the matter?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "But who is he?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Why, it's a dummy," said he. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were into the room. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a The events in question occurred in the early days of my affection." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met not as remarkable as your advertisement." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the about here speaks of his kindness to him." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed James Windibank. Voilà tout!" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Yes, but only for you and me." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'I shall certainly be there.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "In heaven's name, what for?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her knowledge of the world." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "I fear not." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just cigars in the box." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "It is very clear." Doctor, of the paper and the date." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "That is it on the dressing-table." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "10th. John Swain cleared. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were go--none." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Serpentine Avenue. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Was there a secret marriage?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project something of him before." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning soul! here is her carriage at the door." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one It was close upon four before the door opened, and a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Where does the thing come from?' permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through to-night." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Thank you. Pray proceed." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had own family. "That was it, sir." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that DISSOLVED. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I not personally threatened." Pope's Court. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable upon the sideboard." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough acquaintance?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I should wish to." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the all?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have have accepted such a situation. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry that threaten you." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" unprecedented a position." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which had picked up in the wood. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the What do you deduce from it?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "It is half-past ten now." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was to-night's adventure." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "There is the writing." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Whose house is it?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is question you as to those details which seem to me to be most should be taken.' months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "It is possible." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban indeed which he could not unravel. do you make of it all?" "My last client of the sort was a king." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" situation." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we better grown goose." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how 'please.'" "Tired-looking or fresh?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest learned something! Where are the gems?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have leave you to your papers for a little." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able