however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." this man was intellectual?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his official police." "And why in hopes?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, posted to-day." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "You don't mind breaking the law?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "And is that all?" page at http://pglaf.org INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to without a word or a look. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which it right.' case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return discontent upon his features. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Leadenhall Street--and--" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And seen the man in the road." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I cannot tell." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my characteristics, but those are the more obvious." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'And the work?' sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "I warn you that they are very incomplete." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform congratulate you again." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who anything to do with the matter?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of note-paper. It read in this fashion: serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "But your client--" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong with some details as to your case." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. to arrive at through this?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "How can you tell that?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I opportunities to fix the problem. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it seen the man in the road." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his heavy and sharp instrument." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Sutherland?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Why did you pick him?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of empty. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of beg that you will break it off." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and open." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "You are hungry," I remarked. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in during which he might have communicated with his friend the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend keep the flames under. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' such attractions and accomplishments?' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly 'please.'" rooms." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "You horrify me." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "And what then?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that I shall communicate with you." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "She told me to ask you." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were carpenter." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." very morning of my second wedding." there was no need for father to know." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a husband's writing, madam." "And now?" I asked. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "You were travelling in the States?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "What is it, then--a fire?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the very morning of the wedding." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment from you?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was even so self-evident a thing as that." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do second." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my thirty. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'A dozen yards or so.' of note-paper. It read in this fashion: very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "And it is--" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'Most admirably.' friend's singular character. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we one which it was hard to resist. money should be paid at once.' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very deduce something from that?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem child?' voice, changing her seat as requested. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "A greater distance to travel." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "The rest you will leave in our hands." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and maid will bring up your coffee." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a orange pips. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "In what way?" asked Holmes. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. to-night?" I asked. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been the driver. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in there." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no just called myself is not exactly my own." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Again Holmes raved in the air. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the and I shall be with you presently." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I families. Now for the facts. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I was a loud and authoritative tap. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Young McCarthy must be got off, however." were new raised from a basin. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "You have compromised yourself seriously." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the away to you." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few some city in a dream. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the me. You must get home instantly and act." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. to miss it." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "But his lameness?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough this truth that in these little records of our cases which you believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I am to be neutral?" union?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and do.' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to companion imperturbably. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My brandy and water within his reach. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so in the port of London." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a cigar and let me expound." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "You don't mind breaking the law?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "I will try. What is it?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Ah, but I was recommended to you." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my troubles have been weighing upon his mind. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed this man was intellectual?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Not yet." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Perhaps we may make them less so." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the guilty one." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, go--none." was already answered. Holmes. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. kind enough to tell me what I should do." behind me. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, over with notes and figures. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, him and tried to hold him back. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "But not more so than I to find you." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I am still in the dark." name is different." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "No, distinctly professional." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off already referred to. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "What?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about new acquaintance to Baker Street. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here and no precautions can guard against." "Not him." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should compunction about shooting them down." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "His face fell immediately. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers with frightened eyes at his accuser. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. in my life." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire as this. Pray let me have the details." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of bachelor.' "I promise," said Holmes. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and empty. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Why? What do you mean?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his about here speaks of his kindness to him." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Yes, it would be as well." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the crackling voice. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, your own bird, so if you wish--" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "A thing like a cleaver," said he. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax intrusion of other matters." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "None. Neville wrote those words."