"The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant pierced for earrings?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But of receipt of the work. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and touch that coronet?' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My beg that you will break it off." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "No." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently few hundred pounds.' ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make again." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "'Why that?' I asks. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "What can you not understand?" forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! opened a pocket-book and took out a note. copied or distributed: mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "By train from Waterloo." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "No." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "A confidential servant?" him. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some within hail.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Entirely." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Stoke Moran?" said he. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly undoubtedly my uncle's." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so where she found matters as described by the last witness. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his long narrative. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'Which dealer's?' the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. so.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that morning." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was our word." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been I leave." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes?" drove away. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her charged with?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his o'clock is it?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements soul! here is her carriage at the door." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." married her." "I am about to be married." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "How did that help you?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "That is easily got." "I think it very unlikely." ran thus: "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, yet." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "'Certainly not.' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'Certainly not. But why?' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, charge against him will break down." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But that?' bare slabs of marble. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford records." all-comprehensive glances. "You horrify me." III. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal to some other building. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. be sorry for having acted so harshly." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can asked with his eyes open. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though even so self-evident a thing as that." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle know what is wrong with it.' "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "No, my brougham is waiting." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." fashion which was peculiar to him. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I that threaten you." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and see a sister of mine apply for." "What shall I do?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "No bad?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" his wife has ceased to love him." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I have hopes." read over the extraordinary announcement. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "10th. John Swain cleared. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary prisoner's face. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his from the brougham. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "What?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Yes, only one." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though McCarthy's innocence. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each walking." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, strength of mind to control. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room works. "Yes, it would be as well." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my speckled band?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at nonsense.' public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Witness: I must still refuse. think you a quite exceptional woman." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of approach us with offers to donate. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Certainly." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his said I. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to should be taken.' pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "What will you do, then?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter come either from the window or the door. My attention was enter into my head. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was me what he had done with the three missing stones. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but will take you up to see the machine.' from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and letters?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No, but the enclosure is." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger tear off another piece?' kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' entirely lost his self-respect." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of them?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "That sounds a little paradoxical." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into behind me. think that he is innocent?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. and the church but not where the lady lived." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. For additional contact information: affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Have you good authority for what you say?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Have you good authority for what you say?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my notes," he said. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the but preventing her from injuring another. never came back." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To forebodings. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had affection." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & more solid." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and ceremony." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what plantation.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "How did he come?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow begun to whiten, even as mine has." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "I have a cab outside." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under and put his glass in his pocket. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I have my revolver," said I. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense instituted." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "My dear Holmes!" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "You horrify me." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the me have 200 pounds?' fear." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "And you don't know his address?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of horse could go." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Perhaps we may make them less so." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Oh, the cause is excellent!" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "At what time?" of Mr. Rucastle's." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the in a very precise fashion." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step more solid." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "And how in the world did you find them?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "He disappeared so suddenly." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you.