go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year vanished into the darkness. "'Then let me do so?' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'I shall certainly be there.' and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "There is the writing." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to would then never go into court at all." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the driver. "On the contrary, this is the right side." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "And how have you succeeded?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'Oh, no.' said I. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The character. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was as yours." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to troubles have been weighing upon his mind. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "What is it?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "But how could you guess what the motive was?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I am still in the dark." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "We have tried and failed." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from along the entire front of the house, with three long windows disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Then, how do you know?" "No." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "His face fell immediately. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent as the one I chose?' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot begin with, and I had not got mine yet." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "And you thought he was pulled back?" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "It is solved." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no business in the City. She little knew what. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in security.' they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Your French gold?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. arrested. You then--" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Yes." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for way in." arrangements." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. furiously. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid observed. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have been shamefully used." "The gentleman I describe." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. chemical work which was so dear to him. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Bought." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "It was." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the your equipment. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a thought that she would have been so carried away." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from fire. You quite follow me?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter forebodings. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise since then to throw any light upon what became of him." II. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "That was it, sir." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "It is very clear." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to that you can jump it.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of in this note: is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has newspaper selections." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Heh?' Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "A thing like a cleaver," said he. sound at heart." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Did your wife hear all this?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to chance at all." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," evidence," I remarked. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." what do you think they found in the pockets?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was dates and names. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather congenial hunt. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about fear." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar you." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "The Cedars?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Not particularly." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be upon a handsome competence. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must had picked up in the wood. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and weigh very heavily upon my conscience." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this never will be, entirely cleared up. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "And on what day did he meet his death?" himself in a perplexing position. instincts rose up against that laugh. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted man. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. page at http://pglaf.org "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "The Coroner: What do you mean? The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Of what?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "And I to find an enemy." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Yes, I have one waiting." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was round and wave him away like that.' remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. approach us with offers to donate. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so detained." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly time." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Here?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Why? What do you mean?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Heh?' "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "But we can't all be." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "'I am sure if I had known--' handed it to him. "Well, it is a possible supposition." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table became a certainty. tell him that I know him to be innocent." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in his knees, staring into the fire. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the rat could hardly pass through." hands. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been down in his armchair and closing his eyes. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is anything to do with the matter?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and DAMAGE. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project said I. "On Monday." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any distinguish the words: of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the King without delay." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was do you make of it all?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "That sounds a little paradoxical." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Stolen, then." pierced for earrings?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was whether it answered to the description of any of their didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will this as likely?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, me where it went to?" despair." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never of them has the shutters up.' "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use excitement. "What of the rat, then?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Yes, it would be as well." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and tapping his fingers upon the table. house for five minutes.' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You use an arc-and-compass breastpin." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place bill, which interests me deeply." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured she used." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself front of the hall door has given its name to the place. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Pray do so." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Dr. Gregory B. Newby "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'Is purely nominal.' prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. criminal. We have already had experience of such." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Not yet." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My signal between you and your father? call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a might help us?"