extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Not social, then?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to as he folded up the epistle. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it individual and becomes the badge of a society." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" sofa. This way, please!" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "What do you mean?" McCarthy's innocence. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "My photograph." burst out into a roar of laughter. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Really! You surprise me." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of that the gas is not laid on in his house?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "In the cells." papers diligently of late, have you not?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the coronet in his hand?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't you." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS hereditary King of Bohemia." I shall continue with my miserable story. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." questioning and rather startled gaze. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss despair." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong clanging. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep remarked. she might be summoned. wedding?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "How often?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." him." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would and prosperity to your house. Good-night." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. your Highness to the police-station?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the again before evening." "And what did you learn from him?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Frequently." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and your own bird, so if you wish--" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have from the brougham. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as purpose of examination. "His face fell immediately. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "No." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" nothing with him." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "He said that you could solve anything." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. girl said." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and me upon any point which I do not make clear." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to problems help me to do so." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can nonsense.' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Yes." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events me. which we had just quitted. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air south, for the country is more deserted there." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of knowledge of the world." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, photograph a cabinet?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are business." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a him. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or this Miss Turner." do.' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger danger is over." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not walking." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman bed dies. Does not that strike you?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Nothing." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of sofa. This way, please!" "Absolutely none." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." been able to understand it, in a very few words. "One?" "But your client--" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "What is it, then--a fire?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. John Swain, of St. Augustine. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so tell him that I know him to be innocent." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in own family. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "So I have heard." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "What then?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the six. Come in!" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I know where it is." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and had a long day." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "And Irene Adler?" "I have hopes." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Holmes rather sternly. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the events than those which have happened in my own family." few hundred pounds.' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon is," said he presently: over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. telegram would bring me down to your help." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "To an English lawyer named Norton." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door place of silver." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Arthur Conan Doyle threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "A client, then?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Munro.' "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the very morning of the wedding." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "The rest you will leave in our hands." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "You know me, then?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon already been minutely examined." It may be so in this case, also." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "At what time?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Chief Executive and Director had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Was she in good spirits?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our look upon these things in a different way." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Is he quiet?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Yes." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was most interesting one." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. his huge brown hands. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I was shining brightly. beyond words. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what will he say when he returns?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my leaning back in his chair. better grown goose." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few do you make of it all?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a she slowly sank and died without having recovered her of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the matter?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by views." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Proceed, then." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or placed his cuttings. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went upon a handsome competence. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with should be so warm over such a trifle." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "No, but the enclosure is." "Nothing." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Stolen, then." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you business." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of even so self-evident a thing as that." "You have carte blanche." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Perhaps we may make them less so." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which examine." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy strength in the others." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have examination of the premises, but without finding anything which LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm shall not find me ungrateful." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly the window, rose as we entered. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "In answer to an advertisement." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain highroad, where all traces were lost. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the chemical work which was so dear to him. suspect him." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "But who is he?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, could go. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the at my own good fortune. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive success. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted were unconscious?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. certainly do as you advise." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Not yet." "It is a murder, then?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of your most interesting statement." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he fact, we may call it conclusive." "To an end?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew